Alleluia! Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is risen!! The most important week in any Catholic church is, Holy Week which includes Holy Thursday, Good Friday,  Holy Saturday, and of course, Easter Sunday! Each day is different, and certain traditions and things are done. While this is the biggest week for all Catholic churches, each parish/ church has their own way of doing things, traditions, and celebrating. You should have a look at these SEO keywords for Churches to reach more people and encourage them to attend your church. At Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish, (including four churches) located in Salem County in New Jersey, everybody together had a great time celebrating, and really got the message that “we really are one body in Christ, and we do not stand alone.” However, as fun as it was there was a lot going on and anybody who is involved certainly had their hands full, but every single person had a great time, and was really uplifted!

On Holy Thursday, just the regular mass was lead. On Good Friday there was something going on every single minute of the day.   Starting early in the morning the youth group leaders and the youth group gathered and met early in the morning to start the final rehearsal for the Passion play, which started early in the afternoon.  The play turned out amazing! Everybody said how moving it was at that the youth group did a great job, there was not a dry eye in the house.

According to Thalia G., who played our Blessed Mother in the play, she grew from it, and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. After the play, there was the annual Good Friday services. The church is so big, so the parish was able to hold two services. The one that was actually in the church was the Bilingual service, and then in the hall is where the English service was held. To conclude the day, most met back in the hall in the evening to watch the movie called “The Passion of Christ.” On Holy Saturday the most healing, and Holy service of the whole year is held. Of course, it is the Easter Vigil.  It started in the dark and with a candle lighting semi prayer service. After that there were the beautiful music and the strengthening readings. After that, the usual things were done that happen at all Easter Vigils, such as the Litany, renewal of the Baptismal promises, blessing of Holy Water, blessing of the candles, and so much more. It really is beautiful! Something else that happens was that the RCIA members of the parish were  able to be Baptized, receive 1^st Holy Communion, and then Confirmation. It was a great experience to witness.  The service went late, so then everybody went home to go to bed to be up and ready early the next morning for Easter.  On Easter Sunday all that really happened is regular Easter services, but everybody did such a great job making it beautiful so it wasn’t just a normal mass. All of this put together was so amazing and so beautiful that nobody would have wanted to miss it. Alleluia! Christ has Risen!