Saturday, April 7

EASTER VIGIL

We went again this year to the Easter Vigil Mass at church.  This is the first Mass of Easter, where they bless the Easter fire and light the Easter candle that will be used throughout the Liturgical year at Mass and different Sacraments of the church

Our family dressed up in our Easter best and arrived at st. Francis Cabrini in Granbury at dusk
 in time to watch Monsignor Juan light and bless the Easter fire in the back courtyard of the church and then bless and light the Easter candle to process into Mass to begin the Easter Vigil. 
What is Easter Vigil? 
To sum it up very simply.....Easter Vigil is the longest Mass of the Easter season and the Liturgical year because all of the people who wish to become Catholic and have gone through almost a year of preparations (learning about what they are becoming a part of), are Baptized and Confirmed and receive their first Holy Communion at this Mass.  It is truly a joy to see so many single adults, couples, and entire families receiving the Sacraments together and who are so excited to become of part of this beautiful faith family!
 "Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized." (Acts 18:8)
The kids enjoy seeing all of the Baptisms of those who have never received a Christian Baptism (our church recognizes all Christian Baptisms made in the Name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit as valid and those persons will not be re-Baptized but confirmed into our faith) Some have never been Baptized, all are annointed and received Holy Communion.  There is so much joy during this special Mass as these pure souls, who have learned about our faith and have embraced it fully, get to share in the fullness of it beginning on this night.

Why does the Catholic church Baptize infants and small children....Click here to learn why
The kids like to consider how mad the devil must be to see all of these beautiful souls receiving the Lord!  It is truly a victory for Christ on earth!


We start the Mass in candle light.  I do not take pictures during Mass but I had the opportunity to take this shot as we waited for everyone to process into the church BEFORE starting Mass.  We were one of the first families in the church.
My Sweeties right before Mass began
Such a joyful occasion!!

God Bless you all