If you would like a copy of this video to be emailed to you, please send an email request to Deacon Frank Osgood at frank.osgood@omegapointsolutions.com .

Our Easter Vigil began by a bonfire, outside. The weather was cool and cloudy, but not too cold, and the fire chased away the cool. The upbaptized Elect were in brown robes with old clothes or sweats underneath. We Candidates (already baptized) wore our normal Sunday best. We were all in the front row of the fire-watchers and the rest of the congregation huddled further out where the shadows danced around the darkness. We all caught the eyes of loved ones out in the crowd and watched embers rise from the burning logs to float on air above our heads. Father Murphy blessed the fire, said prayers over a four-foot tall Easter candle and cut figures into the wax: the Cross, Alpha and Omega, the year of the Lord 2009.

Father Murphy then lit and lifted the heavy candle and Deacon Murray led us all on a procession into the church, which was in total darkness. Now and then, amid the silence and occasional crackle of the bonfire behind us, Deacon Murray would chant, "Christ our Light," and we would answer, "Thanks be to God." Inside, the alter boys lit candles from the Easter candle the Deacon held, then each person lit his or her candle from theirs. Soon, the dark church was lit by candlelight. Deacon Murray then chanted a[img_assist|nid=371|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=180|height=200] beautiful prayer called the Exultant. We blew out our candles and the church lights were turned up. It was time for the Vigil readings. Each reading was followed by a sung psalm and a short prayer.

After the Epistle reading, we sang a beautiful Alleluia chorus while Deacon Griffin carried the Gospels high, preceded by incense. Our Gospel reading was Matthew 28:1-10.

Father Murphy then gave a stirring homily.

After the homily, we sang a Litany of the Saints and Father blessed the new waters of the baptismal font. One by one, the people came forward for Baptism. Father took a large pitcher and three times poured the full amount on their heads, saying "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The baptized were smiling and happy and they left to get dressed.

Now it was everyone else's turn to renew their baptismal promises. Father waved a pine branch dipped in water through the church, hitting everyone with drops as reminders of our baptism. Then we all re-lit our candles and renewed our vows of baptism.

The newly baptized returned, dried and changed, in white robes. We joined them up front with our sponsors' right hand on our right shoulders. We who were coming in from other faiths said, "I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God." Then each sponsor presented his or her charge, saying, "I present so-and-so". Some people had chosen a Saint name for this. Father then put the Chrism on each of our foreheads and we were ready for Communion. We were presented to the congregation and they applauded us, their new members.

Father Murphy wanted some of us to bring the gifts to the alter, so I went to the rear of the church and carried in the water and wine, another carried in the basket for money, and another carried the bread. We new members were first to receive.  We all received the Blood of Christ, as well. The Heavens were not opened for me, but I did feel wonderfully warm as a knelt with my new brothers and sisters. We were all smiles and handshakes. He is risen indeed, within us all.

After Mass, a small reception was prepared for us in the Parish Hall, there was a nice cake for us to take home and more cake and punch and gifts and cards for each of us. My sponsor gave me John Paul II's "An Invitation to Joy" and a small Catholic prayer book. Outside, the bell in our small bell tower rang out, announcing Easter to the world.

A blessed Easter to you all.