Holy Saturday is our "night of nights." Hardy worshippers gathered in the chill of an unusually cold April evening to witness the blessing of the "new fire" which lights the Pascal Candle - symbolizing the risen Christ. The fire and candle are blessed, prayers and readings recited, incense lighted, and the faithful process into the darkened church.
        Three times Father Taylor sang "Light of Christ" as he carried the Pascal Candle up the main aisle. The congregation responded "Thanks be to God" and genuflected. Parishioners' candles were lighted from the new fire and Daryl Whitley intoned the Exsultet - the main proclamation of the Easter message. Old Testament scriptures were recited with responses from the choir. Then the church was illuminated dramatically as an ensemble from choir and congregation was led by guest musician Reginald Walters in a classical, Latin version of the Gloria. Father Taylor's sermon continued the theme of Christ our Salvation and our identity through the Catholic Church, with mention of Saint Augustine among African saints.
        Three new adult members - Heather Foltz, Reggie Horne, and Adele Long - joined the Catholic Church and one young person - Isaiah Sharpe - was baptized into the faith, all through the moving rituals of Christian initiation. Confirmation followed for the adults and the faithful renewed their own baptismal vows, were sprinkled with water from the baptismal font. The Eucharist completed the late night celebration of the resurrection, and of our salvation, with the new adult members leading the congregation in the reception of Holy Communion.