The Catholic Church is alive and well in Orange County.
More than 800 people will be baptized and nearly 650 baptized candidates will be received into full communion with the Catholic Church during Easter Vigil ceremonies throughout the Diocese of Orange tonight.
"We are blessed as a Diocese to baptize so many new Catholics on this Holy Saturday. It is inspiring as a Bishop to welcome a record number of new Catholics into our church. This ceremony is the climax of the liturgical year and serves as a tangible display of the growth and vibrancy of Catholicism in Orange County," said Bishop Tod Brown.
Many consider the Easter Vigil the most important liturgical ceremony in the Church since it involves all three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
Bishop Brown presides at the ceremony held at Holy Family Cathedral in Orange, at 7:45 p.m. Parishes all over the county, country and world mirror what happens here.
The Diocese has crafted a beautiful description of each of the four parts to the ceremony.( It begiins with the rich and symbolic "Service of the Light.")
You don't have to be a friend or family member of a candidate to attend services at either the Cathedral or your local parish.
Witnessing the initiation of a fellow Catholic can do much to strengthen our understanding of our Catholic Faith as well as our commitment to it.
"May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds."(Words of prayer from the Service of the Light.")
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