Easter Sunday in South Carolina’s Low Country is CRAZY! I help at Saint Gregory’s each Sunday, but not Easter Sunday as I am celebrating two early morning Masses at Holy Family Church on Hilton Head. Easter Sunday there sees an Armageddon of tourists packing the Church and nearby hall!
This is what St. Gregory’s administrator writes in an email about Easter Sunday there:
I have updated the SGG Easter Plan document to reflect this year’s timeline. There are areas that are highlighted in yellow that may need to be addressed—some practice times, coverage for overflow in the PLC, distribution of the Eucharist on the lawn (especially at the 11 am), etc.
As of now, we are expecting and praying for good weather, which means SGG will be very busy Easter Sunday. The KofC are preparing for helping with parking during the 9 am and 11 am Masses; Hispanic Ministry plans to handle parking for the 1 pm; we also have contracted with the State Highway Patrol from 7 am to 1 pm to assist with general traffic direction. We have six troopers on Easter Sunday with two planned at the fire department area and four in the Berkeley Hall/SGG entrance. I have also communicated with the Beaufort County Traffic Engineers and the SC Department of Transportation on making significant adjustments to the lights to help us with traffic flow. Please note that Sunday, April 20 is also the last full day of The Heritage on Hilton Head Island—so there WILL BE traffic!
Deacon Denny plans to coordinate with the deacons on coverage, especially in the PLC and for additional coverage at Masses (or on the lawn to help with Communion, because the 11 am tends to have a large crowd).
The large screen will be on the lawn for the 9 am and 11 am—with the 1 pm also as a possibility!
If you would communicate with your ministries (ushers, greeters, etc.), that would be appreciated—and any staff who are present for any of the Masses can be expected to be “called into action” to assist with chairs, passing baskets, etc.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or coordinate with your team. It will be a flurry of activity here in the next few days so get your rest and be ready to go!
Have a blessed rest of your week…
6 comments:
So, my question would be, "How do regular parishoners feel towards having their Easter celebration turned into a chaotic crowded circus buried in folk who want to be on vacation during the holiest day of the year rather than celebrating that holy day at home?"...out on the lawn? big screens?.....hold me back...Easter joy in gridlock.
Wonderful there is such an enthusiastic turnout for Easter.
Like many, many other places, I often wonder why so many elect not to participate in the preparatory services leading up to the celebration itself. Then, the following week, many again vanish.
To note, many parishes are increasingly dependent upon the financial support that comes with larger crowds. Don't let your parish, or the place you visit languish the rest of the year.
At our Paschal service for the last two years, we've had a large number of Gypsies show up. Yes, actual Romani. They tend to be quite loud, and many of them livestream the services to other folks. They also nearly set my wife on fire a couple years back!
Cultural/ethnic minimalist Catholics who believe taking a magic cookie during Easter (and maybe on Christmas) checks all the boxes for the obligation for the year. After that, "God who?".
Father McDonald, speaking of Easter... In France:
-- New spectacular jump in adult and adolescent baptisms in 2025
https://www.famillechretienne.fr/44723/article/nouveau-bond-spectaculaire-des-baptemes-adultes-2025
"More than 10,300 adults and 7,400 adolescents will be baptized on Easter night. This represents a 45% increase compared to 2024, confirming the trend observed over the past five years.
"The trend is confirmed and growing. Never before has the Catholic Church recorded such a large number of catechumens. More than 10,300 adults will receive baptism at Easter and more than 7,400 adolescents, representing a growth of 45% and 33% respectively, according to official figures published by the French Bishops' Conference on April 10.
"This means that 17,700 people will be baptized in 2025, or 5,000 more baptisms than in 2024 (+45%).
"Last year, the number of catechumens had already reached a record level, with more than 12,000 baptisms celebrated at Easter, including 7,135 adults and more than 5,000 adolescents.
"This increase marked an increase of more than 30% compared to 2023, confirming a dynamic of continued growth. In 2023, 5,463 adults were baptized."
Pax.
Mark Thomas
With Father McDonald's permission: To add to my previous post...In France:
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"Mass stands out as a key step in their journey: 83% already attended before entering the catechumenate, often alone (42%), even if 76% admit they do not yet understand all the rites. "
"Social media plays a major role in their journey: 78% say they are influenced by it, and 84% follow influencers or creators of Christian content."
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"In the space of two years, the number of baptized people has doubled. Thirteen dioceses have even recorded an increase of more than 100%, whether they are urban, rural, or medium-sized towns.
"Conversely, eleven small dioceses have seen a slight decline, but this data does not alter the overall trend. Young adults, particularly those aged 18-25, represent the most dynamic age group.
"There are currently 4,000 requesting baptism, twice as many as a few years ago. The Diocese of Saint-Denis stands out in particular, with a 66% increase in requests in this category.
"Students are also growing strongly: they now represent 26% of catechumens, compared to 17% five years ago. Notably, working-class backgrounds are the most represented, with 36% of adults on the path to baptism coming from these backgrounds.
The major survey conducted by Famille Chrétienne and Aleteia among nearly 900 catechumens usefully sheds light on these figures by drawing a sort of composite portrait of these new Christians.
"It reveals a generation of catechumens who are young, connected, and often come from backgrounds far removed from the faith.
73% of respondents are between 17 and 35 years old, and 44% are under 25, a figure that is growing rapidly.
"65% say they did not grow up in a religious family, and 50% say they discovered the faith on their own.
"Mass stands out as a key step in their journey: 83% already attended before entering the catechumenate, often alone (42%), even if 76% admit they do not yet understand all the rites.
"Social media plays a major role in their journey: 78% say they are influenced by it, and 84% follow influencers or creators of Christian content.
"After baptism, their commitment remains strong: 95% wish to continue practicing but 57% ask to be able to share their faith with other Christians, 38% expect spiritual guidance, and 27% wish to deepen their understanding of the Mass and the fundamentals of the faith."
Pax.
Mark Thomas
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