Catechumens and candidates pray during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. John Beloved Church, Saturday, April 8, 2023. Dialog photo/Don Blake
The Easter Vigil Mass at St. John the Beloved parish in Wilmington, like most around the Diocese of Wilmington and the world, included people new to the church taking part in the sacraments for the first time.
Father Joseph Piekarski, the pastor, and Father Michael Preston, associate pastor, concelebrated the Mass the evening of April 8.
Lighted candles were also part of the traditional Mass on the eve of Easter Sunday.
Father Joseph Piekarski, Deacon Stephen Oldiges and Father Michael Preston process in to the Easter Vigil Mass at St. John Beloved Church, Saturday, April 8, 2023. Dialog photo/Don Blake
Parishioners light their candles during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. John Beloved Church, Saturday, April 8, 2023. Dialog photo/Don Blake
Father Joseph Piekarski lights the paschal candle during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. John Beloved Church, Saturday, April 8, 2023. Photo/Don Blake
The Easter vigil at St. John the Beloved. Dialog photo/Don Blake
Catechumen Melissa Miller is baptized by Father Joseph Piekarski during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. John Beloved Church, Saturday, April 8, 2023. Photo/Don Blake
Catechumen Thomas Riale is baptized by Father Joseph Piekarski during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. John Beloved Church, Saturday, April 8, 2023. Dialog photo/Don Blake
Catechumens and candidates pray during the Easter Vigil Mass at St. John Beloved Church, Saturday, April 8, 2023. Dialog photo/Don Blake
