Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Newark observed Easter Weekend as the culmination of Lent, a period of reflection, penance, and spiritual preparation for the death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful Catholics observe this time in both community and quiet prayer, with special ceremonies, processions, prayer, and Holy Mass.
Parishes embraced the solemnity and the spirit of Easter Weekend with reverence and hope, commemorating Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday in unique ways.
Easter Mass with Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark. At Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Wallington, parishioners celebrated Easter Sunday Mass. Bishop Manuel A. Cruz, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, celebrated Easter Vigil Mass at Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark and administered the sacraments of initiation to parishioner Elton Ngoy.Divine Mercy Parish in Rahway embraced a Filipino Catholic tradition, celebrating the yearly ‘Salubong’ – the joyous Meeting of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus on Easter morning. Parishioners filled the church grounds for a procession, embodying the spirit of faith and community. Father Alexander T. Cruz handed out chocolate bunnies to the children after Mass on Easter morning.Parishioners at St. Catharine Roman Catholic Church in Glen Rock enjoyed an Easter egg hunt after Mass on Easter Sunday morning.The Children’s Choir performed at the Church of Saint Anne in Fairlawn on Easter Sunday.The Easter Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rochelle Park was standing room only.Parishioners at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Jersey City prepared the Church for the celebration of Salubong and packed Easter baskets for the children.Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Church in Scotch Plains welcomed three catechumens into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist during the Easter Vigil Mass.Parishioners gathered for the Easter Vigil Mass at Saint Joseph Church in Bogota.Notre Dame Catholic Church in Caldwell celebrated the Easter Vigil with the baptisms of several new catechists into the church.Parishioners from our Lady of Sorrows Church in Kearny gathered in Riverside Park in Kearny to pray the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.Parishioners gathered outside Our Lady of Mercy Church in Park Ridge for live music, prayer, and Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.On Good Friday, Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Elizabeth put on a Living Stations of the Cross reenactment in front of the church.Parishioners at Our Lady of Victories Church in Jersey City participated in a foot-washing ceremony on Holy Thursday, to commemorate the Last Supper and the washing of the feet.Inside Most Sacred Heart of Jesus church, parishioners erected a tomb for Jesus, and altar servers held baskets of red Easter eggs, symbolizing the Blood of Christ shed on the Cross.
Featured image: Christ has risen at Queen of Peace church in North Arington on Easter morning.
