The Easter Vigil is the most glorious liturgy of the year. We wait in darkness, then light the Easter fire, processing with candles and hearing our salvation history proclaimed as told in scripture. As the liturgy unfolds and we receive the Body and Blood, we recount all that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have done to share their love and light with us. We are made new!

We pray for our RCIA candidates, shepherded lovingly by Deacon Dave and Marge Collins. Gail DeSimone, Andrew Ross, and Terry and Dee Wayland, received their First Eucharist and Confirmation at the liturgy. With joy, we welcomed these candidates into full communion with the Church and our parish family. We were also blessed to witness twins Katelyn and Mya Collins receive their First Eucharist at the Vigil. The congregation acknowledged with hearty applause all of the recipients of these sacramental graces!

Our Vigil liturgy owed its exquisite beauty to the generous giving of time and lots of hard work in preparing for this holy night:

Thanks to Deacon Ron Forino for his conscientious, tireless and patient efforts in coordinating all aspects of the celebration. And where would we be without our Marc Luciani, who was involved in every detail of the evening. To Jimmy Steiger, Kathy Mongiovi and their helpers for creating a beautiful worship space where no detail was left unattended. To Jim Keefe, Jonathan Wentz, our talented choir and musicians, who lifted the rooftops in heavenly voice and encouraged the congregation to fully participate. To our lectors, who retold salvation history with conviction, clarity and great meaning. To our EMs, who not only distributed the Body and Blood, but coordinated the lighting of candles at two points during the celebration. And last but not least, our thanks to Fr. Mariusz, our deacons who served on the altar, and our senior Altar Servers. Special thanks to our extraordinary pastor, Father Paddy, who led the celebration and gifted us with a powerful vision homily.

Our deepest gratitude to Denise Panyik-Dale, who captured all of the special moments of this holy night on film.

Happy Easter to all in our blessed parish family. Peace be with us!

Click HERE to view pictures from our celebration!