The Church has always celebrated Jesus’ Resurrection, known as Easter. To the early Christians, Paul announced that "Christ our Passover has been sacrificed." (based on 1 Corinthians 5:7) In those early years, celebrating the death and Resurrection of Jesus was tied to the Jewish feast of Passover. The early Church’s understanding of the Mass also took on the symbolism of Jesus, the Lamb of God, offered again for all.



The Church celebrates the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday evening. The community rejoices with new members being baptized, confirmed, and welcomed to the Lord’s table. The Church blesses the fire and the water, and the Paschal candle is lighted. Jesus, the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, has come. Jesus of the New Testament came to live among us. And Jesus conquered death by his Resurrection to save us from our sins. When we participate in the Eucharist, we receive the risen Lord in Holy Communion.

Family Activity

	Choose one special Easter dish (bread, dessert, and so on) that has special meaning for your family.

	•		Take this Easter food to a nearby shelter, or meal site to share the celebration that Jesus brings on this day.
	•		If this is not possible, create Easter table favors for a meal site and deliver them as a family.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.