May, 2025

Knowing Christ Leads to Our Response of Love

Fr. John Schmidt, C.Ss.R.

Dear Co-Redemptorist,

Rejoicing in the Spirit of Wisdom helps us to know Christ. St. Paul gives us such a great Easter message. If you noticed, in each appearance of Jesus to his followers after the Resurrection, they all mistook him for someone else and failed to recognize him. Only when he spoke or broke bread with them did they recognize him. Knowing Christ is essential for us, and we join Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, Cleopas, and his companion in our search for Christ.

For the Redemptorists, knowing Christ leads to our response of love. Our vows are a total gift of self to Christ. Our vows are a response to God’s love, who first loved us. As our novices prepare for their vows, a total gift of self, they rely on the grace of the Holy Spirit and the cooperation of their confreres. I took my vows 40 years ago, and I didn’t fully realize the choice. Today, I’m better aware and open to the Lord’s call made possible by the Holy Spirit and my confreres’ support.

I ask for your prayers for our Redemptorists worldwide. They work in all kinds of places and ministries, bringing plentiful redemption to those most in need. Some are taking huge risks to live their vows. This is the heart of dedication to Christ.

Our seminarians finish up their studies this month and prepare for summer ministries. Their summers are filled with opportunities to know Christ better and to reflect on his presence in the people they meet in ministry. It is a blessed time.

Thank you for being generous in your gifts to us and for your continued prayers for our seminarians and for vocations to the religious life. In these days of Easter, remember the power of the Holy Spirit to make all things possible.

Easter Blessings,

Father John K. Schmidt, C.Ss.R.
Director, Co-Redemptorist Association

P.S.: Have you considered including the Redemptorists in your estate plans? Through your stewardship, you share in our many Redemptorists ministries. Will you join us on this final journey of Faith? Fr. Joseph Dorcey, C.Ss.R., Office of Financial Services, is available to discuss a special legacy gift that can continue the Redemptorists’ work beyond your lifetime. Send him an email, or call at 312-248-8894.