Father Keith Pellerin of the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church said they will be live streaming several events through the Easter weekend. He said the church has had several events without a congregation on site, but parishioners are able to participate by going to the church’s Facebook™ page.
Father Pellerin hopes families will carve out time to hold these holy days sacred. “We would not have Christmas without Easter. It’s because of Easter we have Christmas. People wanted to know where Jesus came from.”
He asked to people to hold on to their faith and to hope during this challenging time. He said faith is all we’ve got, and he encouraged parishioners to stay faithful.
“We invite everyone to participate,” Father Pellerin said. “We want families to gather in their living room together and participate in the ceremony.”
On Holy Thursday at 7 p.m., they will perform the washing of the feet ritual like Jesus did with his disciples. He encourages the family to participate by washing their feet.
On Good Friday at 3 p.m. the church will do a Stations of the Cross so parishioners can participate from home. After the Stations are conducted, there will be a service. He said viewers can hold a crucifix throughout this program.
Saturday, April 11, will bring a live Easter Vigil service beginning at 8 p.m. He is encouraging residents to hold a candle at home during the mass.
“Our belief in Christ is light in the world that dispels all darkness,” Father Pellerin said.
Finally on Easter morning, Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m.
And to guide everyone through this difficult time, he said everyone should watch the news with the Bible in their hands, “so we don’t lose our faith.”
