05/25/2026
CELEBRATING THE EASTER VIGIL
The Easter Vigil took place on Saturday evening, April 4th, at Most Blessed Sacrament. Father John presided. The liturgy is the high point of the Easter Triduum which celebrates the passion and resurrection of Jesus. With a rich display of symbols, rites, and readings, the Church in worship expresses her faith in the mystery that brings her into being.
Ath this year’s Vigil, our parish was blessed to witness three adult baptisms. Shawn Ghahary, Lyzbeth Rios, and Samantha Mascola were welcomed into the Catholic faith through their reception of baptism, confirmation, and first communion. Steven Rodriguez participated in our parish’s O.C.I.A. process, but he received the sacraments of initiation at a parish in Brooklyn where the Pastor is Steven’s uncle.
In addition, we celebrated the Rite of Reception. Gregory Bennett, Amanda Bhulai, and Erion Lenas were validly baptized as members of other Christian denominations, but they discerned that they desired to become members of the Roman Catholic Church. They did so by professing the faith and publicly stating that they believed and professed all that the holy Catholic Church proclaims to be revealed by God. Since Gregory, Amanda, and Erion were already baptized, they received the sacraments of confirmation and the Eucharist.
Finally, there were many adults who were already baptized as Roman Catholics, but they never received the sacrament of Confirmation. Their process of formation led them to the Easter Vigil so that they could be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Confirmation. Those who were confirmed included: Alyssa Cirasuolo, Alexander Fodi, Ciara Fodi, Jason Giarratana, Chase Hamilton, Antonio Lisitano, Nuccio Lisitano, Anthony Mascola, Paolo Santos, Laura Sarsten, Peder Sarsten, Megan Thomas, and Ethan Torres.
Congratulations to all of the adults who were welcomed into the Catholic faith! We express our gratitude to our parish community for your prayers and enthusiastic welcome to our newest members!
If you know someone who is considering becoming a Catholic or if someone you know needs to complete the sacraments of initiation (Confirmation and/or Holy Eucharist), please have them contact Father John as soon as possible to register for the formation process. It is a grace-filled experience!
