We celebrated Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday, March 31 by welcoming 22 RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) catechumens and witnessed 19 baptisms. Boy Scout troop #545 helped at the beginning of the Service of Light with a small fire which provided the flame needed to light the Baptismal candle. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Pemberton and Deacon Michael Krempp led the RCIA catechumens in a processional through the sanctuary.
Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead. It is celebrated on Saturday, and marks the end of Holy Week, the end of Lent, the last day of the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday), and is the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgy. On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory. Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands are baptized into the Catholic Church in the United States.