- May 23, 2025
Over 6,000 people participated in the Easter weekend services at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Palm Coast, making it one of the most spiritually vibrant and well-attended Holy Week celebrations in the region.
The Easter weekend liturgies began with the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday, April 19, at 8:30 p.m., which opened with the blessing of the new fire and water. In a moving display of faith and renewal, 20 individuals — adults and children — who had completed the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program were baptized, and 26 others, also formed through the OCIA process, were received into full communion with the Catholic Church through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Scripture readings during the Vigil were proclaimed in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the parish.
On Easter Sunday, celebrations began with a sunrise service at the parish columbarium at 6:15 a.m., followed by Masses at 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., noon, and a Spanish Mass at 5 p.m. The joyful proclamation of Christ’s Resurrection drew crowds throughout the day.
The Holy Week journey began on Palm Sunday, April 13, recalling Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On Monday of the Holy Week, the parish offered an all-day Eucharistic Adoration and Confession, during which over 800 individuals received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. An additional 400 confessions were heard during a prior Lenten Penance Service held as part of the parish Lenten Retreat.
Holy Thursday featured the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, during which Pastor Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyil washed the feet of 12 parishioners, honoring Christ’s humble act of love and service. On Good Friday, the parish commemorated the Passion of the Lord and prayed the Stations of the Cross.
Parochial Vicars Fr. Rob Trujillo and Fr. Sergio Santos, and Pastor Emeritus Fr. Jim May, assisted in leading the various Holy Week services, helping guide parishioners through the sacred days with reverence and joy.
Regular opportunities for confession continue to be offered Saturdays from 2:45 to 4 p.m., and 30 minutes before every Sunday Mass. For more information about parish life and upcoming events, visit www.seaspcfl.org or contact the parish office at (386) 445-2246.
