First, in case you were wondering, here's the formula for the calculation of the date of Easter Sunday (which is the "anchor" for what are called the "moveable feasts" in the Catholic Church): Easter is the first Sunday after the first full Moon after the beginning of Spring. Sounds complicated? Well, it is because the history behind it tried to reconcile two calendars: the solar calendar and the lunar calendar.

Computing this date is based on the fact that Christ's death occurred near the Jewish Passover, which is, as stated in the Gospel accounts of the Last Supper, when Jesus gathered with the Apostles to celebrate the feast commemorating the Exodus of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. According to the Mosaic Law, the Jewish people must renew this celebration each year on the 15th of the month of Nisan, which begins with the first new Moon of Spring (c.f. Exodus 12:1–2, 12:18). That's where the new Moon comes in. 

For quite a while, the Church was in heated debate as to how to celebrate Easter with this in mind; it's known in history as the "Quartodeciman controversy" (https://www.gci.org/articles/the-passover-easter-quartodeciman-controversy/) and several churches celebrated Easter at different dates because of this. The Catholic Church at the First Council of Nicea, held in 325, decided that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the Vernal Equinox, making the earliest possible date for Easter March 22 and the latest possible April 25. Eastern Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar to calculate the Easter date instead of the Gregorian calendar, which was introduced in 1582 and is used by most of the world. Because the Julian calendar calculates a slightly longer year, they celebrate Easter 13 days later.

So now you know. Have a blessed, safe and Happy Easter!

A review of our Mass and sacramental schedule for this weekend: 

EASTER VIGIL 8PM 

Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards)

9AM - Mass Live streamed WITH a congregation. Outdoor Communion will be available afterwards and radio reception available in the parking lot at 107.7FM. Please note that outdoor Communion will end promptly at 10:15. Plan accordingly

11AM - Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards) PLEASE NOTE: While making a reservation is not required, we are encouraging people to do so; this way you can be assured of having a seat. We have noticed that in-church attendance is steadily increasing and, in anticipation that we may reach capacity at weekend Masses, we have prepared the Church Hall for social distancing and live-streaming the Mass from upstairs. When needed, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will bring the Blessed Sacrament so that people in the Church Hall can receive Communion during Mass.

To access TAKE YOUR PLACE AT TABLE and/or to volunteer to help our Liturgical Environment Ministry in parking, seating or cleaning, please visit our parish website at www.visitationrcchurch.org/take-your-place-at-table Those without Internet access (and please let your friends and neighbors know!) can call 732-475-0048   

Not yet ready to return to the church building?

WE UNDERSTAND and will continue to offer live streamed Mass on Sundays at 9AM with outdoor Communion available in the church parking lot. See this weekend's Mass on YouTube at