North Caldwell Church Joins Holy Week Celebrations Across North Jersey

NORTH CALDWELL, NJ — Although the “weight of uncertainty” is heavy these days, the Easter holiday offered a chance for many Christian and Catholic residents of North Jersey to find a rekindling of faith, including in the Caldwells.

The Archdiocese of Newark recently observed Holy Week – the sacred period leading up to Easter – with a series of holiday-themed Masses and vigils across Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

In North Caldwell, parishioners at Notre Dame Church were among those that answered the call (see photo above).

Other events took place in communities across North Jersey, the archdiocese noted:

PALM SUNDAY – “Holy Week began on Palm Sunday, March 29, when parishes distributed blessed palm fronds to parishioners, symbolizing the branches scattered before Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. The next day, Cardinal Joseph Tobin celebrated the Chrism Mass at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where hundreds of archdiocesan priests renewed their ordination vows and receive consecrated holy oils for their parishes. These oils will be used in sacraments and blessings throughout the year.”

HOLY THURSDAY – “On Holy Thursday, April 2, Masses included the washing of the faithful’s feet, reflecting Christ’s humility at the Last Supper. During Good Friday liturgies on April 3, thousands of parishioners commemorated Christ’s suffering by participating in the Stations of the Cross, the reading of the Passion, the Great Intercessions and the Adoration of the Cross.”

EASTER VIGIL – “The Easter Vigil on the evening of Holy Saturday, April 4, celebrated Jesus’ Resurrection with the lighting of the Paschal Candle in darkened churches and the joyful proclamation of ‘Alleluia’ for the first time since Lent. Catechumens, or new members of the Catholic Church, were also welcomed into the Church through baptism, Eucharist and confirmation.

EASTER SUNDAY – “Finally, Easter Sunday services on April 5 commemorated the Resurrection as well, although without the more solemn rituals of the Easter Vigil.”

“This year, we arrive at Easter with much on our hearts,” Cardinal Tobin said in his annual holiday message.

“We feel the weight of uncertainty in our own time — a world marked by conflict and war, where families are displaced, and many long for safety and security,” Tobin said. “There are fears and struggles that touch our communities and the lives of those living in the shadows, longing for dignity and belonging. This Easter, our world, as well as our hearts, is restless.”

“Easter does not hide from these realities,” Tobin continued. “It meets them head-on.”

According to Tobin, the holiday is a reminder that faith is present, even amid suffering and confusion.

“Easter reminds us that violence, division and death do not have the final word,” he said.

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