Easter vigil

"Easter Vigil is only for the strong."

"It's typically a minimum of two full hours to get through the service, and if it's done right, it's liturgy at its very best and you don't want to miss it."

Which of these two invitations would be more likely to get you to the service?

Our pastor, unfortunately, used the former one, though I can't complain too much as it is one of the few times I've been disappointed in him in any way. I'm afraid to see how the parish is going to respond to it! I want the church to be full as our RCIA candidates and elect receive the sacraments of initiation.

The second quote above is from a blog I stumbled across, and represents my point of view better than I could have said it myself. At our parish, which uses every reading, the service is about 2-and-a-half hours, followed by a reception for the new Catholics. This is my first year being involved in our parish RCIA program (the last time was 1990 at Shemya); I'm usually too involved with music. But when I was asked by someone for whom I care deeply to be his sponsor, it was an opportunity I just couldn't turn down. What a blessing it has been to see the newcomers grow together, to watch them grapple with their respective concerns, and especially to see them grow closer to the Lord. I'm so excited for all of them, both in this wonderful time and for the walk with God they have ahead of them.