Holy Saturday
The
Solemn Easter Vigil Mass began after sundown in a darkened church. The
men and women who have participated in our RCIA program were welcomed
into Full Communion with the Catholic Church at this Mass.
The
new fire was lit and blessed by our pastor, Msgr. Chet Moczydlowski. The
Paschal candle was then inscribed for Christ now and forever. Flame from
the Paschal candle was used to start the chain of lighting for the congregation's
candles.
Each
person in the congregation passed the light from candle to candle. When
all candles were lit, the Easter proclamation (Exsultet) was sung.
The
Baptismal Elect (our catechumens) were called forward. Members of the
congregation were invited to lay their hands on a nearby catechumen. Antonetta
Bauer is pictured above.
Msgr.
Chet blessed the water that was used for baptizing our catechumens. Deacon
George Ferland held the book.
Msgr.
Chet baptized William Minshall, one of our six catechumens. His wife,
Rita, was his sponsor.
All
of our RCIA participants, catechumens and candidates along with several
adult Catholics who had never been confirmed, were confirmed at the Easter
Vigil.
Msgr.
Chet confirmed Steven Phillips. To the left was his sponsor, Debbie Bosley,
and to the right was Sr. Pat Przybylski, who is in charge of our RCIA
Program.
Toward
the end of the Mass, each catechumen was given a Baptismal candle. Above,
Tim Darcangelo awaits presentation of his Baptismal candle from his sponsor,
Shari Corley.
