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Parishes worldwide will be celebrating the Easter Vigil tonight and welcoming new members into the Church via baptism and confirmation. The lengthy liturgy reminds Catholics of salvation history using seven readings from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. 

Students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Tempe experienced a vigil-like atmosphere April 8 during their annual Trek through the Desert.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel students hold their own Easter vigil experience before Easter break.

The spiritual journey begins on the basketball court with Moses as the students — dressed in period attire — “leave Egypt” and cross the Red Sea. They continue into the New Testament with a reenactment of the Last Supper in the Church. Eighth graders conclude the day with a living stations of the cross. 

Here is what I wrote about how local Catholics looked forward to experiencing the Easter Vigil in 2007:

The feeling of loss becomes one of joy at the Easter Vigil. This marks the time when Jeff Hale feels most connected to the Gospels.

“We all meet outside in darkness and hold individual candles as we listen to the readings,” the RCIA core member said. The readings — which include seven from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament — take the congregation through salvation history.

A single Easter candle is the only light. Then everyone gradually lights a candle from the original flame. That light “represents the fire of the Lord overcoming darkness,” Fr. Jack Spalding said.

After 40 days of Lent and three intense days of the triduum, it’s finally time to celebrate Jesus’ glorious return and resurrection to new life.

It’s also a time to welcome new members into the Church.

“The vigil is what I am very excited and a little intimidated about,” said RCIA candidate Cody Goodell, who will be baptized and receive first Communion at St. Timothy Parish. “I feel like the RCIA program has been like the minor leagues for the past year and now we have been called up for the big leagues and hopefully answer the call of Christ.”