Christ Church (Episcopal), Ottawa, Illinois is a member church of the LaSalle County Episcopal Ministry (LCEM). The LCEM is a shared ministry of St. Paul's, LaSalle; Christ Church, Streator; St. Andrew's-in-the-Field, Farm Ridge and Christ Church, Ottawa. Many times throughout the year, the congregations come together to celebrate mass and be in community with one another -- the Great Easter Vigil is such a night.
Below are some pictures from this year's vigil. Happy Easter!
Alleluia! The Lord is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Alleluia! The Lord is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
The celebration starts in darkness; then a fire is kindled. These words are said: Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in which our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which, by hearing his Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death (Book of Common Prayer, 285). Then a new Paschal Candle is lighted from the fire.
Members of the congregation light candles from the flame of the Paschal Candle -- the light of one candle is not dimmed by lighting another.
The sacred space of Christ Church, Ottawa.
After renewing our Baptismal vows,
Father Mark blesses those in attendance with Holy Water.
Acolytes are an important part of the ministry team in the LCEM.
Father Bobby reads the Gospel.
We are a community of disciples Sunday through Saturday. On Sunday's (and other days) we gather together in community to celebrate the Holy Eucharist -- every day we try to live in a way that loves our neighbor and respects the dignity of every person:
EVERY person.
