NEWTOWN—More than 150 people gathered outside of St. Rose of Lima Church to celebrate the Risen Lord with an Easter Sunrise Mass.
“As we gather on this Easter morning, we seek the mercy and forgiveness of our God,” said Pastor Msgr. Robert E. Weiss, as he began the 6 am Mass with birds chirping like trumpets heralding the Good News that Christ has risen from the dead.
The altar was set up outside in front of the church where lamplight gave way to the rising sun and hope for a better future.
“Today is once again an invitation to embrace the life of Christ that He wants us to have,” Msgr. Weiss said.
During his homily Msgr. Weiss said, “as perfect as we would like things to be, that’s not reality.”
Weiss, who was celebrating his last Easter Sunrise Mass as pastor, said over the course of Holy Week and specifically during Reconciliation Monday, he heard many confessions and what troubled him was the number of older people who expressed frustration, anger and sadness over the lack of their children or grandchildren continuing to actively participate in the faith despite their best efforts.
“We’ve kind of fallen into bad habits in this world,” Weiss said, referencing the numerous excuses the younger generation uses to not go to church. He encouraged everyone to continue to do what they can to lead others to Christ not only in their own families but throughout their community.
“These are troubling times that we live in,” he said noting the war in Ukraine, recent extreme weather and world leaders with the opportunity to change the course of history with the push of a button.
Msgr. Weiss said the moral compass of our world is spinning out of control and needs to stop.
“Let’s get the needle of the compass stopped and pointed to God,” he said.
Those gathered were blessed with the sprinkling of Holy Water after the renewal of Baptismal Rites.
Many who attended the pre-dawn mass brought their own chairs, some even brought blankets to keep warm but all wanted to start the day here.
“It’s a beautiful way to start the day,” said Patty Kelleher, a parishioner of St. Rose for 24 years, who attended the early morning service with her family as part of her family’s Easter tradition.
Parishioner Amy Hannibal, who attended the early morning service with her family, agreed.
“It’s very peaceful and quiet,” she said. “It’s beautiful to see the sunrise come up and reflect on the promises and what this Easter season is all about.” As those gathered, bundled in knit hats and gloves instead of pretty Easter bonnets, dresses and suits, left the Mass on Church Hill Road, Msgr. Weiss thanked them for being good role models for the church and their community.
“Have a most blessed Easter,” Msgr. Weiss said. “Thank you all for being a wonderful people of truth. You are a great witness to the faith.”