Easter - Page 4
The Baptismal Service
The second part of the Vigil now begins and centres on the mystery of baptism by which the Light and Life of Christ was first given to us. During this part of the Easter Vigil candidates are baptised and confirmed. People already baptised renew their baptismal promises.
The Eucharist
The Easter Vigil reaches its climax with the celebration of the Eucharist in which Our Crucified and Risen Lord brings us, his own baptised members, with him before his Father’s throne in Heaven, and in Communion he gives himself to us in his own Glorified Body and Blood to remake us in his own likeness.
DIFFERENT LITURGICAL PATTERNS
In some churches the Service of Light and renewal of baptismal promises takes place on Holy Saturday evening, but celebration of the Eucharist does not immediately follow; it takes place on Easter Day. See Common Worship for a number of different patterns of worship.
Although traditionally the Triduum Sacrum refers to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday (including the Easter Vigil), it makes good sense to regard these great three days as starting with the Eucharist on Maundy Thursday evening and ending with Evening Prayer at the end of Easter Day. (2)
References
1. Diekmann, G.L. (1957) The Masses of Holy Week and the Easter Vigil, London: Longmans, Green and Co.
2. Pope Paul VI (1969) Apostolic Letter: General norms for the liturgical year and the calendar, para 19. Available from: http://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/Info/GNLY.pdf (Accessed 20 April 2011) (Internet).
Other Holy Faith resources
Short talks: The Easter victory, Easter serenity, Dying and living and Presence of the Risen Christ.
The following are suitable for children:
Confirmation class – Evidence for Christ's Resurrection
Wishing all Holy Faith visitors a blessed and joyful Easter
