Dear Parishioners:                              

The English Catholic convert and author G. K. Chesterton once commented: "Christendom has had a series of revolutions, and in each one of them, Christianity has died. Christianity has died many times and risen again, for it had a God who knew the way out of the grave."  His words came to mind as I reflected upon Easter, a season of baptism and new life.

Baptism on Easter Sunday

We had the joy of witnessing four baptisms at the Easter Vigil, and even more blessings followed as we baptized a baby on Easter Sunday, with five more babies to be baptized this Sunday!

Even in its simplest form, the sacrament of baptism is a celebration filled with Easter symbolism. Celebrating baptism at the Easter Vigil is a tradition, and this is no mere 'coincidence.' The Church intentionally connects baptism to the events of the Paschal mystery during the Easter season. Much of the symbolism is in the Jerusalem Catecheses, a series of catechetical lectures attributed to St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop during the 4th century. Addressing those baptized at the Easter Vigil, Cyril writes:

"You were led down to the font of holy baptism just as Christ was taken down from the cross and placed in the tomb before your eyes. Each of you was asked, 'Do you believe in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?' You made the profession of faith that brings salvation; you were plunged into the water, and three times, you rose again. This symbolized the three days Christ spent in the tomb."

The white garment of baptism symbolizes that the person baptized has "put on Christ," risen with Christ. The candle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened the neophyte. In him, the baptized are "the light of the world." Yes, baptism is a truly beautiful sacrament. When celebrated during Easter, all of its symbolism comes to life.

Adult Baptism at Easter Vigil

Thousands of adults across the United States were baptized into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil this year. So please pray for all our newly baptized. Meanwhile, in secular France, over 12,000 people, both adults and adolescents, were baptized on Easter; this is a record number in the country that has become "de-Christianized."

According to reports from France, 7,135 adults were to receive the sacrament of baptism during the Easter Vigil. In addition, over 5,000 teenagers aged 11 to 17 were baptized this Easter. While this is good news, it is insufficient to compensate for the dramatic decline of infant baptism in France.

Islam is growing and may become the primary religion in historically Catholic countries such as France, the so-called eldest daughter of the Church. Yet, there was a dramatic increase in adults converting from Islam and being baptized at Easter in France. It, too, is a sign of faith and hope growing in Western Europe. In Rome, Pope Francis baptized eight adults: four from Italy, two from South Korea, a man from Japan, and a woman from Albania. He also confirmed them and gave them their first Communion.

Newly baptized at the Easter Vigil

On Easter Sunday, Catholics across the globe renewed their baptismal promises. They were sprinkled with the newly blessed Easter Holy Water. As they joyfully and faithfully recalled their own baptisms. They denounced sin and Satan and declared their belief in Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord, and his Church.

Eastertide is indeed a time of new life and growth in the Church. It is a time for us to live joyfully in faith, hope, and love. Christ is risen and alive. Sin and death have been defeated! The Church is alive and growing! This is good news that should bring us great joy!

I think Monsignor Ronald Knox, the English Catholic Priest, author, and theologian of the early twentieth century, said it best when he said: "The Church was buried in the catacombs; She rose again with Constantine. She died in the Dark Ages; She rose again with Charlemagne. She died with the Renaissance; She rose again with the saints of the Counter-Reformation. You cannot kill the Catholic Church."

We congratulate all the newly baptized and promise our prayers. A Blessed Easter Season!  Let us echo the words of St. John Paul II, "We are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song!" Be well. Do good. God Bless.