Incarnation Catholic Church

04/19/2026

“O Jesus, give me stillness of soul in Thee. Let Thy mighty calmness reign in me. Rule me, O Thou King of peace."
of the Cross

04/07/2026

What a wonderful surprise to have Fr. Mark be able to join us for Easter Mass in the chapel. It’s a blessing to have him back among us! 

04/07/2026

Beautiful liturgies, an overflow of worshippers, and we send a big thank you to everyone who worked behind the scenes to pull it all off! 

04/07/2026

After His resurrection, Mary Magdalene recognizes Jesus and reaches out in overwhelming joy. But He gently tells her: “Do not touch Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” (John 20:17)

Yet soon after, to Doubting Thomas, Jesus says: “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” (John 20:27)

This beautiful contrast is not a contradiction, but a profound lesson in how the Risen Christ meets each soul according to its need.

Church Teaching & the Saints explain it this way:

⚡St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that Mary already believed with love, but she was still clinging to Christ in a familiar, earthly way — as before the Passion. Jesus invites her to a higher, more spiritual faith: to recognize Him as the One ascending to the Father in glory, equal with the Father. Touch here symbolizes complete knowledge; Jesus wanted her to “touch” Him spiritually, not just carnally.

⚡St. Augustine beautifully reflects: Mary sought to touch Him as a man she had lost, but Jesus redirects her: “Do not touch Me in that way… believe in Me as equal to the Father.” Her love was ardent, but needed purifying so she could proclaim the Good News rather than cling to the old relationship. The Ascension completes the work — now we cling to Christ in faith, through the Church and the Sacraments.

⚡St. Gregory the Great and others note the contrast clearly: Mary already believed, so she was sent on mission immediately (“Go and tell…”). Thomas doubted, so in mercy Jesus offered physical proof to strengthen his faith. Jesus deals tenderly with each heart — purifying love for one, confirming belief for the other.

⚡The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that the Resurrection inaugurates the definitive state of Christ’s glorious body (CCC 645). Mary Magdalene, called the “Apostle to the Apostles” by the Church (and by St. Thomas Aquinas and Rabanus Maurus), models for us the call to move from personal encounter to sharing the Resurrection with others.

In the words of the saints: Jesus purifies Mary’s love of any merely sentimental attachment (as Dom Guéranger reflected) so it becomes more perfect and spiritual. He meets Thomas right in his doubt so that faith may triumph.

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When doubt creeps in, the Risen Lord still invites us: “Come, touch My wounds” through prayer, Scripture, and the Sacraments.

Both Mary and Thomas show us that Jesus knows our hearts perfectly and gives each of us exactly what we need to grow in faith.

What about you? Has the Risen Jesus ever asked you to “let go” so He could lead you higher? Or has He met your doubts with gentle proof?

Share your thoughts or a favorite Easter reflection below! 🙏

04/01/2026

Are you joining us for the Holy Triduum? We enter in to this sacred time beginning tomorrow with our 7PM Mass for Holy Thursday.🙏

04/01/2026

We are honored and grateful to be recognized in the 2026 Best of SRQ Local Awards! 🎉

✨ Best Local Private School, Bronze
✨ Best Local Private Preschool, Silver
✨ Best Local Summer Camp, Honorable Mention

These recognitions are a true reflection of our incredible students, dedicated teachers, supportive families, and faith-filled community. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us continue to grow, lead, and serve with excellence. We are so proud to be Incarnation Catholic School!
💙💚

03/27/2026

03/17/2026

What an amazing OCIA group we have! Thank you to our priests and to Leslie Hutchison (who runs this wonderful program) and to all her beautiful helpers. Please pray for our catechumens and candidates as they continue on their journey!🙏🏼

03/16/2026

Some great photos of Fr. Mark in this batch! 

03/11/2026

This is the pilgrimage. Fr. Mark has been on with his former seminary. A great gift as it was his first trip to Rome! 

03/10/2026

Coming up this week!