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Diocese welcomes new Catholics at Easter Vigil

Special to the Catholic Herald

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, assisted by Deacon Philip Briggs (left) and Fr. Michael D. Weston, diocesan director of divine worship, blesses the Paschal candle at the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington April 16. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, assisted by Deacon Philip Briggs (left) and Fr. Michael D. Weston, diocesan director of divine worship, lights the Paschal candle at the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington April 16. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Massgoers holding lighted candles process into the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington during the Easter Vigil April 16. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Massgoers holding lighted candles process into the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington during the Easter Vigil April 16. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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A cantor sings the responsorial psalm. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge speaks during his homily. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge blesses the baptismal water. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge baptizes a catechumen. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge baptizes a catechumen. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge confirms an initiate. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Clergy and altar servers process out during the recessional. JOE CASHWELL | FOR THE CATHOLIC HERALD

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Across the Arlington diocese, more than 160 adults were welcomed into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil Masses April 16.

The hourslong vigil Mass began with the blessing and lighting of the Paschal candle symbolizing the light of Christ.

During Mass, the more than 160 initiates received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first Communion.

“At Easter we celebrate our Lord’s victory over sin and death. To those preparing for sacraments of initiation, please know that our entire diocesan church is praying with and for you as you prepare to enter into new life in Christ or share more fully in Christ’s Mystical Body,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge. “May we all commit to living as true disciples of Christ, strengthened and sustained in peace and joy by the life-giving Paschal sacraments.”

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