![]() ![]() In Western Christianity, Eastertide, or the Easter Season, begins on Easter Sunday and lasts seven weeks, ending with the coming of the fiftieth day, Pentecost Sunday. Most Christians refer to the week before Easter as "Holy Week"-it contains the days of the Easter Triduum, including Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Maundy and Last Supper, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It is the culmination of the Passion of Jesus, preceded by Lent (or Great Lent), a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. While the group started by meeting in person, rearranging the room to maintain safe social distancing as their numbers grew, eventually they would get together online via Google Meets.Easter is a festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. The pandemic continued to pose challenges, however. It’s just amazing how you feel,” Catour said. Last year, no one had any idea that things could stop the way they did, she told The Catholic Post, calling it “devastating.” “It is just such an exciting thing to be a part of all that they go through and this culmination of all their efforts,” said Catour, the director of adult faith formation at Christ the King. Those receiving Communion for the first time were Marc Prosper Awuya, Emma Kellly, Ayaba Antoinette Logossou, Carolina Lopez, Kayla Avalos, Noellie Avalos, Howard Olson, and Komlatse Leo Ntsu.Īfter the Easter Vigil ended, Anna Catour said she was “overwhelmed with joy.” Then they were confirmed, along with America Cabrera, Bakhita Houndjo, Grace Jordan, Robert Jordan, Emma Kelly, Ayaba Antoinette Logossou, Carlos Madrigal-Avalos, and Komlatse Leo Ntsu. ![]() Those making a profession of faith were Marc Prosper Awuya, Carolina Lopez, and Howard Olson. In keeping with COVID-19 protocols, fresh water was poured over the head of each person and used for the sprinkling rite that would come later for those seated in the church. The Paschal Candle would be dipped into the baptismal font to bless the new water before Heriberto Avalos Jr., Kayla Avalos, Noellie Avalos, Komlatse Leo Ntsu, and Ayaba Antoinette Logossou were called forward to be baptized. He was one of five baptized at the April 3 liturgy. beams following his baptism at the Easter Vigil at Christ the King Church in Moline. When the Paschal Candle was ensconced near the baptismal font, Father Eric Kpotor, SMA, sang the Exultet or Easter Proclamation. The dark church grew bright as the catechumens and candidates used their candles to light the candles of those in the pews as they processed to their places at the front of church. After the candle was lit, Father Levitt shared the light with those who would receive the Easter sacraments. The vigil started after sundown with the blessing of the new fire and the Paschal Candle, the symbol of the Light of Christ that dispels the darkness. “He wants us as his own.”Īcross the Diocese of Peoria nearly 200 people were to be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on April 3. “No matter whether we are speaking French, Spanish, English or some other language, God speaks to us in words that we all understand, and he calls us to bring his love and his message of peace to all people, so that everyone has the opportunity to know that they, too, can be a part of God’s family, that God loves each of us,” Father Levitt said. The Easter Vigil, always rich in Scripture and symbolism, seemed especially radiant as readings and psalms were offered in French and Spanish, as well as English to reflect the heritage of those entering the church that night. “Because God’s grace, God’s love, continues to spread and grow in his people, and people still are hearing him call them by name, and still responding to that call.” “Just as a year ago it seemed we had little to hope for because things were so bad, we’ve now realized that we were wrong,” Father Levitt, pastor, said in his homily. ![]() Among them were 14 children, women and men in the front pews who were about to be received into the Catholic Church through the Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. “It is so wonderful to see all of you here in person,” he said as he looked at a church - and two overflow spaces - this time filled to safe social distancing capacity. To bless the new water in the baptismal font at Christ the King in Moline, Father Levitt dips the Paschal Candle into it at the Easter Vigil on April 3. ![]()
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