Podcasts about Easter Vigil

Dave explores mystagogy, the often overlooked final stage of OCIA that begins after the Easter Vigil and calls new Catholics to go deeper into the mysteries they've just entered. Rather than being a finish line, he explains it as the start of lifelong formation. He also reflects on grief and how suffering can deepen belief in the resurrection, highlights the need for stronger parish community and post-Easter formation, and asks for prayers for Gomer's dad and family as his father's health declines. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Dr. Lisa Heerema came from a Reformed Christian background, and became interested in the Catholic Church through history, liturgy, and the sacraments, but had many questions, including about the saints, and her background in Calvinism was a significant hurdle in understanding the Catholic perspective. Attending a Coming Home Network retreat was key in helping her feel more at peace about her journey to the Catholic Faith. She was received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 2023.

Chris Bartlett shares a What Would Taylor Do segment & discusses his recent conversation with a phone scammer that went way different than you would expect! Taylor talks about managing conflict within friendships & shares a story of when he felt closest to the parents of Jesus. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! YouTube Check out the show and other exclusive videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/fortecatholic Connect

The Easter Vigil is more than a beautiful liturgy, it's the culmination of salvation history and the climax of the catechumenate. Gomer and Dave unpack the rich symbolism of the Church's greatest liturgical celebration, from the new fire and Paschal Candle to baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist. They explore why the Vigil is centered on those entering the Church, how the liturgy embodies the Gospel through signs and symbols, and why Christians should never underestimate the power of the Church's ancient traditions. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Explore the powerful but often overlooked OCIA stage of Purification and Enlightenment with Gomer and Dave. They unpack the Church's ancient roots, from exorcism prayers and spiritual warfare to the Rite of Election and Lenten scrutinies, and show how this period reveals what needs healing, strengthens what is good, and prepares the elect for the Easter Vigil. Whether you're in OCIA ministry or simply curious about the Church's process of formation, discover a fresh vision of Lent, conversion, and discipleship. We want to hear from you! Email us at eksb@ascensionpress.com with your questions/comments Don't forget to text “EKSB” to 33-777 to get the shownotes right to your inbox! You can also find the full shownotes at www.ascensionpress.com/EveryKneeShallBow

Father Matthew Dimock, Father John Eckert and Father Jonathan Torres homilies on the Sixth Sunday of Easter Vigil,8am and 1030am Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church May 10, 2026 Readings https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051026.cfm Check out our YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@salisburycatholic?si=82B0xxq9aXIqnd6R

May 10, 2026: May God's words be spoken, may God's words be heard. Amen. Happy Mother's Day, and many good wishes to those celebrating. It is a joyous occasion for most – offering a time to appreciate the love of their moms with maybe flowers, a visit or a call, or some other way to thank them. For others, this is also a difficult day, or one that brings about mixed feelings at least. For they are those whose mother's have died, or those whose mothers are absent – in whatever way that may mean – or those mothers who have lost a child, or those women who could not have one. For these people Mother's Day can be troubling, awkward, or even painful. And if that is you, know that we, your parish family, are holding you in prayer. And so, as I say each year, that is that is why I like to think of today as less about Mothers specifically, and more about women – mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, nieces, aunts, and friends. Women who have been a part of our lives – nurturing, mentoring, loving, caring. That is what we really celebrate today – the journey of women – us, if we are women, and those women who have been a part of our lives. And there was a woman listening to St. Paul in the passage we heard today from the Acts of the Apostles, but you wouldn't know it based on the reading for this morning. As the story we heard goes, St. Paul was speaking before the Areopagus. What we didn't hear was why. See, while he was waiting for his preaching buds Silas and Tim to arrive in Athens (why is a whole other story), Paul had been walking around town seeing among the bustling city lots of monuments to various Gods, even an altar that, as he would later note, was inscribed with this: “to an unknown God.” As Paul does, he taught people in the synagogues and the streets about Jesus. Now, this is where the previous verses get funny, and why I think they should be included. It goes like this: “…some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers debated with him. Some said, “What does this pretentious babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign divinities.” … So they took him and brought him to the Areopagus and asked him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? It sounds rather strange to us, so we would like to know what it means.” Now all the Athenians and the foreigners living there would spend their time in nothing but telling or hearing something new.” That is part of what is missing from the story. The part we did hear was this… St. Paul then speaks before the council, mentions the bit about the “unknown God,” and in classic Paul style, uses their own poetry to counter the notion of such a thing. He quotes Aratus (a Cilician poet) in the phrase “For we also are his offspring,” and likely refers to Epimenides of Crete with the phrase “For in him we live and move and have our being” to counter the idea that any God would be unknown to their own creation. Socrates would have been proud of his use of their own words, and given that Paul was university educated, with excellence in rhetoric and debate which we see in his writings, it also isn't surprising. Then Paul told them about Jesus – about his life, death, and resurrection. For reasons that confound me, that is where the lectionary stops this reading. But on this day, when we celebrate the women in our lives, we need to hear, as the late Paul Harvey would say, “the rest of the story.” The text continues with this: “When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some scoffed, but others said, “We will hear you again about this.” At that point Paul left them. But some of them joined him and became believers, including Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.” Now, there are are a few things to note about Damaris, especially on a day when we celebrate women. First, that she is mentioned at all by the author. In his book Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony, New Testament scholar Richard Bauckham argues that named individuals in the Gospels and Acts are not random, but rather were known to the early Christian communities as key witnesses, leaders, or teachers. This would be especially true of any women named. Second, some try to link Damaris by marriage to Dionysius, the other convert mentioned in this story. Nowhere does it say that, and the author of Luke-Acts, being a stickler as he was, would have done so if it had been the case. And third, is that she is standing there listening to St. Paul speak before the Areopagus in the first place. The Areopagus was a place for centuries where the learned, the most respected in that region, the most powerful, would listen to and debate ideas, pronounce judgements over serious criminal matters, and wrestle with larger questions of science, philosophy, & religion. Damaris would have had to have been wealthy, intellectually gifted, powerful, or all of the above. So, there is a lot for us in this larger story about St. Paul, a bunch of Greek philosophers and judges, and Dionysius and Damaris. And we need to hear it too, especially amidst all that is happening in the world today. For starters, there the inscription on the altar that Paul saw and spoke about. One wonders who constructed it, and why? As I was thinking about that, I was struck by this one part of the Psalm we heard today. The Psalmist speaks of God as one, “Who holds our souls in life.” Think of that for a moment. What does it mean that God is one that “holds your soul in life?” There is such a sense of care, of nurturing, of love in that imagery – and most of all – of knowing. That God knows us. The thing is, we hear this not only in that Psalm, but throughout the scriptures of our faith. We hear that same message, or something like it – over and over and over again in many different ways. From Genesis 1 to the final chapter of the Revelation to John, our scriptures remind us that, as those Greek poets Paul quoted made clear – God created us, and in God we have our very being – God holds our soul in life with great love. This is why at the Easter Vigil and in Lessons & Carols we get texts that span the entire bible – to tell the story of God's relationship with us through time as a reminder that our God didn't begin loving us when Jesus was born, but he was born to us because God has loved us from the beginning of time. That God does indeed hold our souls in life…or really, in love. And that type of relationship, the one God has with all of creation, rooted in unconditional love – means that God knows us – knows us deeply – even if God is unknown to us. All of which brings me back to whoever built that altar. The thing is – it wasn't built because they thought God doesn't exist. Why bother? No, it was built because they could sense God's presence – could sense that there was something larger than themselves – they just didn't know how to name what they were feeling. This was a seeker – something we all have been, and hopefully still are, or we wouldn't be here right now. We don't stop seeking just because we walk in the doors of a church and sit in the pew. Or I sure hope not. It is practically in the DNA of the Episcopal Church to seek, to question, to wrestle with what we think we know. And seeking is as much about what is sought as it is about the one who is searching. The spiritual seeker wants to understand the Creative force they can sense in the world, but learns as much about themselves when they do. Understanding is about knowing – about seeing and being seen. And the truth is that we not only seek God that we may know God, but also that we may feel seen and known ourselves. So many people in the world today yearn to be seen – not looked past, ignored, or pushed aside. They want to be listened to, not because they think they have all the answers, but because in listening, we see them a bit more. That is why it is so important to lift up Damaris in this story. So many women in scripture get ignored or go unnamed – and even our lectionary cuts them out. But the patriarchy rooted in sexism isn't just a part of faith traditions like ours. Women all across time have been left out of our history books – their inventions, courageous acts, writings, or leadership unacknowledged – their names unknown. If we are to ever know God the way God yearns to be known, we cannot ignore or abuse what God creates, especially those made in God's image – the women as well as the men. For when we do, when we ignore and abuse the very soul God holds in life – we willingly do the same to God. Which brings me back to Damaris. She was noted by the author of Luke-Acts, and we should not make the mistake so many do and take no notice of her. We will remember Damaris today. We will say her name and tell her story. But there is something else going on in this story – something missing from our world today (not to mention the lectionary). Paul was doing as evangelists are meant to do – all of us really – he was talking about his faith. That's a good thing! Yet, the lesson we most need now though does not come from Paul. It comes from the Athenians, and begins in the part left out from the passage, which I mentioned earlier. Sure, some thought he was a “pretentious babbler,” which, if you read a lot of Paul's writings you might agree with them. And yet, they didn't throw stuff at him, push him aside, or arrest him for saying things they didn't like or understand (as we know happened to Paul in other places). What did they do? Well, this is why this earlier part is so important, and why I cannot figure out why it was left out – I mean, how can you understand the full scripture of you don't hear it? Just a reminder, this is how they responded: They said to Paul “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? It sounds rather strange to us, so we would like to know what it means.” The text goes on to describe all of the people in that region, saying “Now all the Athenians and the foreigners living there would spend their time in nothing but telling or hearing something new.” And when they listened more to Paul in his speech before the Areopagus, they didn't throw him over a cliff for speaking about something they hadn't heard before – nor did most of them immediately accept what he said. In the final part of this story, again left out of the lectionary for today, they said instead “We will hear you again about this.” We should not be surprised by their response. Anyone who had to read Plato in school knows Socratic dialog, which originated in Ancient Greece long before Paul or Jesus were born. For that matter, anyone who reads some of the epistles of St. Paul see in them this method of question and answer to get to truth. Some scholars have pointed to striking similarities between Socrates in Athens and Paul in Athens – something the learned author of Luke-Acts may have been trying to bring to mind. But while interesting, especially if you enjoy trips down the philosophical rabbit hole, the most important part is in the invitation to dialog in the first place offered by the Athenians in the face of something they either did not know, or did not believe to be true. If only we today would do as these Athenians and the others in Athens at the time of Paul's travels are doing in this story. Instead, most people would just change the channel, walk away, yell and scream, or Gerry-mander them into silence. If you are in our government, you would arrest and indict them, or push to have them taken off the air. What would the world, or really – let's narrow that down…what might our country be like if we were to listen more to what we don't understand, invite those who offer different opinions to speak to us, or at the end of a contentious town hall say “We will hear you again about this.” If we think about it – listening is one of the ways we see others, one of the ways we say to them that they are known to us. One of the ways we become known to them too. And seeing someone, getting to know them a bit, is the first step toward loving them as we are called to do. It is also the first step toward knowing God. So as we leave here and head out into our own public squares – divided as they are – let us question as the Athenians what we hear from others, not to shut down, but so that we can better understand, see, and know – them, the truth, and the God who created it all. And let us hear of the resurrection of Christ and have our hearts moved in such a way as we become like Damaris – leaving this place to proclaim the good news in such a way that we cannot be pushed aside and be forgotten or ignored. For there are far too many yet for whom God is still unknown, who yearn to be known themselves, who dream of being seen and loved by One who would hold their soul in life. Amen. For the audio, click below, or subscribe to our iTunes Sermon Podcast by clicking here (also available on Audible): Sermon Podcast https://christchurchepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Sermon-May-10-2026-1.m4a The Rev. Diana L. Wilcox Christ Church in Bloomfield & Glen Ridge May 10, 2026 The Sixth Sunday of Easter 1st Reading – Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:7-18 2nd Reading – 1 Peter 3:13-22 Gospel – John 14:15-21

Pre-order Fr Calvin Robinson's new book: The Silent Jihad: https://newchristianright.com/jihadShop the store for other great merch at https://shop.newchristianright.comIn this inaugural episode of The Next Crusade with NXR Studios, host Fr Calvin Robinson covers several recent developments in Great Britain: polling showing half of young people would refuse to fight for Britain amid renewed talk of conscription, a preacher threatened with arrest for preaching near a hospital safe access zone, the nationwide rollout of facial recognition after a human rights challenge fails in court, and a lifetime smoking ban targeting anyone born after 2008.Father Martin Navarro joins to explain why Easter is a season (Eastertide), the significance of the Easter Vigil, and why the Resurrection sits at the center of Christian belief.Callum Smiles closes out the episode with images of an IDF soldier smashing a statue of Christ in Lebanon, the reactions it has drawn, and the broader political implications.

Fr. Tom Gardner

In this special conversation episode, Greg sits down with his friend and longtime collaborator Cory to mark the 10th anniversary of the night they both entered the Catholic Church together at the Easter Vigil in 2016. They share what they're most grateful for after a decade—everything from the life-shaping rhythm of the sacraments and liturgical year, the communion of saints, the beauty that feeds the soul, and the simple joy of feeling truly “at home” in any Catholic parish on earth, to the doctrinal clarity and sense of vocation that have steadied their families. Greg also offers candid thoughts from his unique vantage point as a former Protestant pastor: the things that turned out even richer than he expected (deeper prayer and devotion, the dedication of our priests, the Church's surprising integrity and resilience) and a few honest challenges he's seen along the way. With warmth, gratitude, and zero sugar-coating, this episode is an encouraging look at what it really means to live the Catholic faith over the long haul. Whether you're still investigating the Church or you've been in it your whole life, you'll walk away refreshed and reminded why the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church is worth everything. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.

Send us Fan MailA Protestant girl walked into Eucharistic adoration… and became convinced it was really Jesus.In this episode, Sister Filamina shares her powerful journey from a Protestant upbringing to the Catholic Church—and ultimately to religious life. What began as curiosity led to a life-changing encounter with the Eucharist that she could not ignore.She opens up about her first confession, the challenges of conversion, and the moment she received Jesus for the first time at the Easter Vigil. Through it all, her story reveals the quiet but undeniable way God draws souls to Himself.If you've ever wondered about the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist—or felt drawn deeper into the Catholic faith—this testimony will stay with you.Support the showSupport this show and get all future episodes by email atwww.kenandjanelle.com

Deacon Eric Wright

A homily delivered by Deacon Jeff Still on Easter Vigil, April 4th, 2026. The lectionary texts for the day were Genesis 1:1-2:3, Genesis 3, Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-20; 9:8-13, Exodus 14:10-15:1, Isaiah 4:2-6, Zephaniah 3:12-20, Romans 6:3-11, and Matthew 28:1-10.

Fr. Tom Gardner

April 4, 2026. Easter Vigil homily by Fr. Matt Lowry about how Jesus gives us His Spirit to transform us from the inside out into God's sons and daughters and witnesses of His love.

Homily for the Easter Vigil 2026

Easter Vigil 2026 - 4 Things by Fr. Josh Waltz

The Easter Homily of St. John Chrysostom (Easter Vigil Homily) - read by Dn. Eric Rainwater 04.04.26 by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

Fr. Tom Gardner

Holy Thursday has a way of “breaking through” our usual routine—especially when the liturgy makes the silence loud. In this episode, Joe Rockey shares a vivid Holy Thursday experience: the deliberate movement of the Eucharist away from the main tabernacle to an altar of repose, the audible finality of doors closing, and how those sensory moments help us feel what's coming—Gethsemane, abandonment, fear, and the Passion.Father Boniface Hicks explains the Church's intent: Holy Thursday begins one long liturgy that stretches to the Easter Vigil. The Eucharist consecrated on Holy Thursday is the last new consecration until Easter; Good Friday has communion without a new consecration. The altar of repose represents the Garden of Gethsemane—often decorated like a garden—and invites the faithful to “stay awake” with Jesus in prayer, traditionally until midnight when the Blessed Sacrament is removed and hidden, symbolizing Jesus' arrest and imprisonment.From there, the conversation turns deeply practical: prayer isn't supposed to be one clean emotion. The apostles carried confusion, loyalty, fear, failure, and shame—yet Jesus still restores them, especially Peter. The takeaway is simple but demanding: nothing authentically human is excluded from redemption. If we don't bring our real emotions to Jesus—discouragement, anger, sadness, anxiety, confusion—He won't force His way in. But if we do, He can purify, perfect, and elevate all of it into communion with Him.Key IdeasHoly Thursday and Easter Vigil form a single arc: the last consecration happens on Holy Thursday until the Easter Vigil.The altar of repose symbolizes Gethsemane and invites disciples today to keep watch with Jesus.Local customs vary (even how “jarring” moments are expressed), but the aim is the same: participation that reaches beyond intellect into the heart.Don't exile feelings: Jesus intends to redeem everything in us—only what we bring to Him can be healed.Peter's restoration shows the pattern: Jesus meets us where we failed and rebuilds love, trust, and mission.Scripture Mentioned (no links)The Garden of Gethsemane accounts (stay awake / disciples sleeping)Peter's denial and restoration (threefold denial / threefold confession imagery)Links & References (official/source only)None explicitly referenced with clear official/source URLs in this transcript.CTA: If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.com .Tags (comma-separated)Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Holy Thursday, Good Thursday, Mass of the Lord's Supper, altar of repose, tabernacle, Eucharist, Blessed Sacrament, consecration, communion service, Easter Vigil, Paschal Triduum, Garden of Gethsemane, stay awake with me, watch and pray, disciples, apostles, Peter, denial, restoration, charcoal fire, emotions in prayer, anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, disappointment, shame, redemption, healing, spiritual growth, liturgy, participation, Catholic tradition, seven churches, prayer walk, bilateral stimulation, Easter season, Resurrection appearances

In this Easter Vigil homily, delivered on April 4, 2026, Dcn. Peter reflects on St. Paul's words that we are dead to sin and living to God in Christ Jesus. Many people might respond in two ways: wondering how being dead to sin is relevant to their life or feeling like these words don't apply to them. Dcn. Peter describes life under slavery to sin and death and proclaims that Jesus' victory changes every part of our lives. He then declares that Paul's words do apply to each one of us and that Jesus wants to bring His victory into our lives this Easter. He then leads everyone in responding to Jesus' invitation to freedom. His practical for the week is to write "I am dead to sin and living to God in Christ Jesus. I can live in freedom" on a piece of paper and put it somewhere it will be seen throughout the week.

Fr. Patrick preached this homily on April 4, 2026. The readings are from Genesis 1:1—2:2, Genesis 22:1-18, Exodus 14:15—15:1, Isaiah 54:5-14, Isaiah 55:1-11, Baruch 3:9-15, 32—4:4, Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28, Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35, Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11, Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3-4, Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19, Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23, Romans 6:3-11 and Luke 24:1-12 (Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil in the Holy Night). Connect with us! Website: https://slakingthirsts.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SlakingThirsts

Hour 1 for Monday 4/6/26 Drew talks about the Iran rescue mission with Matt Brasmer (8:03) and then he discusses the increase in adult baptisms in the Catholic Church this Easter Vigil with Dr. Ryan Henning from Catholics Come Home (33:32) Sources: https://www.catholicscomehome.org/

Easter is proclaimed in the Easter Vigil with a famous chant called "The Exsultet," and while we have lots of other famous chants and proclamations, this one is really special and has a wild backstory. So for Eastertide this year, we're excited to welcome Mother Laura back from her maternity leave and dive right into this liturgical, theological, and social history! Special thanks to The Rev. Kira Austin-Young who so expertly chanted the Exsultet for us! +++ Like what you hear? We are an entirely crowd-sourced, you-funded project.  SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/AndAlsoWithYouPodcast There's all kinds of perks including un-aired live episodes, Zoom retreats, and mailbag episodes for our Patreons! +++ Our Website: https://andalsowithyoupod.com Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andalsowithyoupodcast/ ++++ MERCH: https://www.bonfire.com/store/and-also-with-you-the-podcast/ ++++ More about Father Lizzie: BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762683/god-didnt-make-us-to-hate-us-by-rev-lizzie-mcmanus-dail/ RevLizzie.com https://www.instagram.com/rev.lizzie/ https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzie Jubilee Episcopal Church in Austin, TX - JubileeATX.org  ++++ More about Mother Laura: https://www.instagram.com/laura.peaches/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mother_peaches St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, PA ++++ Theme music: "On Our Own Again" by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue). New episodes drop Mondays at 7am EST/6am CST! 

Homily For Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026) Total Time: 7m59sHomily from Pope Francis for Easter Vigil 2019 (April 20, 2019) Click HEREAI Notes Click HEREVictory Chant on YouTube Click HERE

Homily for Holy Saturday At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter by Fr. Stephen Hamilton.Reading I Gn 1:1—2:2Responsorial Psalm Ps 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35Reading II Gn 22:1-18Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11Reading III Ex 14:15—15:1Responsorial Psalm Ex 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18Reading IV Is 54:5-14Responsorial PsalmPs 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13Reading V Is 55:1-11Responsorial Psalm Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6Reading VI Bar 3:9-15, 32--4:4Responsorial Psalm Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11Reading VII Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28Responsorial Psalm Ps 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4Epistle Rom 6:3-11Responsorial Psalm Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23Gospel Mark 16:1-7

Christ lives in us and we live in Him.

Easter Vigil 2026 HAPPY EASTER! HE HAS RISEN! 

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Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 4/4/26.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

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What's Actually Happening Tonight? | Christ For YouEaster Vigil | John 20:1 and Matthew 28:1–7Why does this service feel so strange? Why does everything feel so mixed up, so out of order, so full of both grief and joy at the same time? Why do we sing “Alleluia, Christ is risen” while the church is still dark, the tomb still seems sealed, and death still looks so real? And if Christ has already won, why does life still feel so broken? Why do prayers seem unanswered, suffering seem pointless, and graves still open for the people we love?In this Easter Vigil sermon, Pastor Rojas explores the deep strangeness of this holy night and why that strangeness teaches Christians how to live. On the surface, everything around Jesus' death and burial looked like failure. The disciples fled. His enemies rejoiced. His body lay cold in the tomb. But underneath, the exact opposite was true. The angels rejoiced. The demons trembled. The Father was well pleased. And Christ was not defeated in death, but proclaiming His victory.Why does this night feel so different? Because it teaches you how to live by faith when your eyes give you the wrong story. This sermon is for those who look at their sin and wonder how they could possibly be forgiven. It is for those who look at the chaos of the world and think the devil is winning. It is for those who stand at graves, carry unanswered prayers, and wonder why everything still hurts if Christ has already changed everything. This sermon proclaims the answer with clarity and comfort: the victory is real before it is visible. Christ is risen. And because He is risen, your sins are forgiven, Satan is defeated, death is doomed, and what is now hidden will not stay hidden forever. Subscribe & Share:Spotify: Christ For YouPortuguês: Cristo Para VocêWebsite: ZionWG.orgLooking for a Lutheran Church near you?Support the preaching of God's Word

Record numbers joined the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil this year. What is going on, especially among our youth, that they are flocking to Catholicism?Homily for Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026

Sermon by Brendan Barnicle, Interim Dean, recorded live at the Easter Vigil, April 4, 2026.

On this holy night we join the Church around the world as we celebrate the triumph of Christ our Light! (Lectionary #41) April 4, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Gospel Matthe 28:1-10 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Reflection The reaction of the angel is very interesting. Can you imagine walking to a place where you thought the person was still there? You knew he was dead, and you encounter a figure, a beautiful young man who simply says, He's not here, He's risen. And yet they were told that would happen. And so they were totally amazed. And the response is so interesting coming from the angel, why are you amazed? Did you not believe it? Did you not understand Jesus? And of course, that is the point. They did not understand Jesus' teaching. They didn't fathom the fullness of what he would be until those many days, those beautiful 40 days after he rose and taught them, awakened them to the mystery of the God that wants to live within them. Closing Prayer Father, your promise to be with us, to be in us, to be for us, to forgive us. All these things are still struggles for us to be able to fully fathom what they are. Bless us with the kind of wisdom, the longing that Eve had at the very beginning of the human races relationship with God. She longed for wisdom. That's what we still need, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. And we asked this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Easter Vigil holds a shocking paradox that can change how you see sin, redemption, and God's love.Morning Offering, April 4, 2026Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

Friends of the Rosary,Today, April 4, is Holy Saturday (from Sabbatum Sanctum, its official liturgical name), the day of the Lord's rest. Jesus rests in peace in the grave, and the faithful sit near and mourn, after the intense battle against sin and death, and now a victorious triumph over evil. It's a calm and quiet day.The Church, united with Mary and the apostles, remains in prayer and faith at the Lord's tomb, meditating on his Passion and Death, on his Descent into Hell, and awaiting his Resurrection.The body of Jesus lies in the tomb, but his soul has descended into hell, or to the realm of the dead, to announce liberation from darkness to his ancestors and deliver the righteous.The body of the Church is represented in the Blessed Virgin Mary: she is the "credentium collectio universa" (Congregation for Divine Worship,The mortal wounds on His Body, the scars of intense suffering, remain visible. Jesus' enemies are still furious, attempting to erase the very memory of the Lord by lies and slander.No liturgies are celebrated until the Easter Vigil at night. The silence of Holy Saturday ends at sundown with the Easter Vigil, which marks the start of Easter Sunday, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.The Easter Vigil signifies the transition from darkness to light and from death to life.It's the longest and most dramatic service of the year; it often lasts over two hours, depending on the number of readings and baptisms. It features four parts:• Service of Light: Begins in darkness, with a fire lit outside the church to light the Paschal Candle, symbolizing Christ breaking the darkness of sin.• Service of Readings: Multiple readings from the Old and New Testaments recount salvation history, from creation to resurrection.• Service of Initiation and Baptism: The blessing of water, used for baptismal regeneration and renewal of our baptismal vows. We see the celebration of baptisms, with those being baptized, symbolizing new life, wearing white Garments and holding lit candles.• Service of the Eucharist: The first mass of Easter, marking a joyous celebration of the Eucharist.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• April 4, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

In Hour 3 of today's Patrick Madrid show, Justin asks about talking with his son about predestination, plus Patrick addresses callers on antisemitism, what do you think about sororities and fraternities and are the St. Brigid prayers legit? Justin – My teenage son is losing his eyesight. How do I talk with him about freewill and predestination? Edward – You are always asking why they hate the Jews. Martha - People who call in regarding antisemitism seem to forget Jesus was a Jew and that the Christian faith came from the Jewish faith. Alan - If the US didn’t intervene in Iran, what would have happened? It seems obvious they would have nuked Israel and some of their neighbors. Patty - I am concerned that I might have forgotten to Confess sins. Not sure if I did or not. Should I go to Easter Mass? Mariana - Have you ever attended the Easter Vigil with young kids and babies? How did you keep them entertained? Charity - What do you think of sororities and fraternities? They have pagan roots. Can we be part of one? Victor - Should we be concerned about timelines of the tribes and figures in the Old Testament? Kathy - St. Brigid of Sweden prayer is a promise that the souls who pray that will suffer no time in Purgatory. Are these legit and authentic?

Read OnlineThough the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was not offered yesterday, the faithful received Holy Communion during the commemoration of the Lord's Passion. Today, however, the Church falls into profound silence. No liturgical services are celebrated during the day; the tabernacle remains empty, and the Church waits in expectant stillness for the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection. This silence invites us to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ's descent to the dead and to reflect on the unfathomable depths of His sacrifice.For those who attend daily Mass, this day often brings a sense of emptiness—a longing for the Eucharist that reflects the soul's spiritual hunger. Yet, in Her wisdom, the Church withholds both the Mass and the reception of the Eucharist. Why? Because Holy Saturday, in itself, communicates a distinct grace. The stillness of this day is not a deprivation but a profound way of receiving; a gift offered in silence, inviting us to trust, wait, and hope.The Triduum reveals that the liturgical year itself is a source of grace, with each of these three sacred days unfolding the Paschal Mystery in stages. Saint Thomas Aquinas explains it this way: “The figure ceases on the advent of the reality. But this sacrament is a figure and a representation of our Lord's Passion, as stated above. And therefore, on the day on which our Lord's Passion is recalled as it was really accomplished, this sacrament is not consecrated” (Summa Theologica III.83.2). In other words, Good Friday, through our participation in the Lord's Passion, communicates to us the full grace of His redemptive sacrifice, making the celebration of the Eucharist unnecessary on that day.Similarly, Holy Saturday bestows a unique grace that draws us into the mystery of waiting with hopeful anticipation. Though no liturgical celebrations occur until the Easter Vigil, this day of silence invites us to rest in the hope of Christ's ultimate triumph. We are called to remain with Our Lady and the disciples in their vigil, trusting that even in the stillness, God is at work and the promise of the Resurrection will soon be fulfilled.In our lives, hopeful anticipation is an essential spiritual gift, offering the grace to persevere through trials, endure hardships patiently, and remain steadfast in hope, no matter the struggles we encounter. Hope is one of the three theological virtues, grounded in faith and inspiring us to put faith into action, which gives rise to charity—the greatest of all virtues. Without supernatural hope, we cannot fully attain or sustain charity.Yet, hope is far more than wishful or optimistic thinking. Supernatural hope is anchored in God's promises, received through faith, and nurtured by prayer and trust. Our Blessed Mother exemplifies this hope. On Holy Saturday, her heart was not filled with doubt but with an unshakable hope that moved her to keep vigil in prayer, awaiting the fulfillment of her Son's promise. This hope did not end in mere anticipation but blossomed into supernatural charity—a love rooted in God's will, bearing fruit even in the face of grief and uncertainty.Reflect today on the silence of Holy Saturday. As you do, consider the anxieties, impatience, or hardships you might be enduring. Pray for hope in the midst of these trials, and anticipate the fulfillment of God's saving promise in your life. Trust Him, wait on Him, and allow your faith and hope to fill you with the love of God and others, necessary to pass through Christ's Passion into the glory of His Resurrection.My silent Lord, as You lay in the tomb, Your body rested while Your spirit descended to those faithful souls who had died before You. For them and for all who would follow in faith, hope, and love, You opened the gates of Paradise. On this day of silent anticipation, fill me with hope, especially when I am tempted to despair. May I place all my trust in You and receive the abundance of Your grace this Holy Saturday. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jesus Christ lying death in his grave, with his mother MarySource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Full Text of Readings Holy Saturday At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter Lectionary: 41 The Saint of the day is Saint Isidore of Seville Saint Isidore of Seville's Story The 76 years of Isidore's life were a time of conflict and growth for the Church in Spain. The Visigoths had invaded the land a century and a half earlier, and shortly before Isidore's birth they set up their own capital. They were Arians—Christians who said Christ was not God. Thus, Spain was split in two: One people (Catholic Romans) struggled with another (Arian Goths). Saint Isidore of Seville reunited Spain, making it a center of culture and learning. The country served as a teacher and guide for other European countries whose culture was also threatened by barbarian invaders. Born in Cartagena of a family that included three other sibling saints—Leander, Fulgentius and Florentina—Saint Isidore of Seville was educated by his elder brother, whom he succeeded as bishop of Seville. An amazingly learned man, he was sometimes called “The Schoolmaster of the Middle Ages” because the encyclopedia he wrote was used as a textbook for nine centuries. He required seminaries to be built in every diocese, wrote a Rule for religious orders, and founded schools that taught every branch of learning. Isidore wrote numerous books, including a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a history of Goths, and a history of the world—beginning with creation! He completed the Mozarabic liturgy, which is still in use in Toledo, Spain. For all these reasons, Isidore has been suggested as patron of the Internet. Several others—including Anthony of Padua—also have been suggested. Saint Isidore of Seville continued his austerities even as he approached age 80. During the last six months of his life, he increased his charities so much that his house was crowded from morning till night with the poor of the countryside. Reflection Our society can well use Isidore's spirit of combining learning and holiness. Loving, understanding and knowledge can heal and bring a broken people back together. We are not barbarians like the invaders of Isidore's Spain. But people who are swamped by riches and overwhelmed by scientific and technological advances can lose much of their understanding love for one another.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Get all set for The Resurrection of the Lord with Father Patrick HydeSummaryCelebrating the 279th episode of the podcast with a special guest, Father Patrick Hyde, discussing Holy Week, Easter celebrations, and the power of the resurrection. Insights include the significance of the empty tomb, the importance of sharing faith simply, and the impact of personal stories and traditions.TakeawaysThe significance of the empty tomb and resurrectionThe importance of sharing faith authentically and simplyThe impact of personal faith stories and traditionsThe role of church liturgy and traditions during EasterChapters02:30 Holy Week: A Time of Transformation and Growth06:10 The Power of the Empty Tomb: Reflections on Easter10:39 Embracing the Mystery: The Significance of the Resurrection15:56 Anti-Spectacle: The True Essence of Easter Celebrations18:45 The Invitation to Continue Searching19:43 Sharing the Gift of Faith20:57 The Role of the Holy Spirit22:29 Engaging the Younger Generation24:47 The Unique Offerings of the Catholic Church26:42 Navigating Resistance and Communicating Vision28:32 The Power of Prayer and Faith29:48 Unexpected Encounters in Faith32:01 The Significance of the Easter Vigil

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera for a Pardon the Interruption-style Easter Vigil episode of Sunday School.Are you planning to preach or attend Mass of Easter Day? You can find our episode about those readings here: Sunday School - Mass of Easter DayAlready read the readings? Skip ahead to the time in bold after each reading.Reading I - Genesis 1:1—2:2 (8:35)Reading II - Genesis 22:1-18 (15:05)Reading III - Exodus 14:15—15:1 (23:50)Reading IV - Isaiah 54:5-14 (29:00)Reading V - Isaiah 55:1-11 (34:15)Reading VI - Baruch 3:9-15, 32 4:4 (41:00)Reading VII - Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 (46:35)Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4 (50:40)Epistle - Romans 6: 3-11 (54:20)Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23 (58:20)Gospel - Matthew 28: 1-10 (1:02:30) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Two pastors thinking out loud about the upcoming Gospel reading. This episode is devoted to the Gospel reading for the Easter Vigil, Matthew 28:1–7. ----more---- Host: Fr. Jason Braaten Regular Guest: Fr. Dave Petersen ----more---- Become a Patron! You can subscribe to the Journal here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/subscribe/ You can read the Gottesblog here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/ You can support Gottesdienst here: https://www.gottesdienst.org/make-a-donation/ As always, we, at The Gottesdienst Crowd, would be honored if you would Subscribe, Rate, and Review. Thanks for listening and thanks for your support. 

“For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of the light.” Ephesians 5:8    Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!  Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study  Ruth joins us on the podcast to explore the theology behind the Easter Vigil Mass and also how it parallels to the celebration of the Liturgy of Light in the atrium.   Ruth Ohm Sutherland is a catechist in Levels Infant-Toddler-3 and a Formation Leader for Levels 1 and 2. She has started the CGS in several cities, most recently in Wausau, Wisconsin; she offers atrium sessions for Levels 1-3 in Wausau. Prior to moving to Wisconsin, Ruth taught Sacred Scripture at St. Patrick's Seminary & University in the San Francisco Bay Area.    Great Vigil of Easter for Episcopalians    Roman Catholic Novus Ordo Easter Vigil      Roman Catholic 1962 Extraordinary Form of the Mass         Books you might be interested in:  The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds  History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa  History of the Kingdom of God Part 2: Liturgy and the Building of the Kingdom  Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues    Podcast Episodes with Ruth:  Episode 62 – Christ the Good Shepherd and the Eucharist  Episode 77 – Eucharist: God with Us    Podcast Episodes for the Easter Season:  Episode 34 – The Paschal Mystery  Episode 61 – The Roots of the Eucharist and the Easter Mystery  Episode 84 – The Family in Easter with Gerturde Mueller Nelson        BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER          AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd