Holy Saturday is the final day of Lent, of Holy Week, and of the Easter Triduum, the three days (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday) immediately preceding Easter, during which Christians commemorate the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ and prepare for His Resurrection.
The Easter Vigil liturgy is the most beautiful liturgy of the Church and although celebrated on Holy Saturday evening, it is the dramatic Easter vigil liturgy that marks the beginning of Easter.
The vigil is divided into four parts:
The vigil is divided into four parts:
- Service of Light,
- Liturgy of the Word,
- Liturgy of Baptism, and
- Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The Service of Light
The service begins outside the church where a new fire is lit and blessed and the Paschal candle prepared and blessed before being lit and processed into the darkened Church.
'May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.'
Whilst processing into the Church, the deacon / priest lifts the candle at three different times, singing: The Light of Christ. (or Lumen Christi) and the congregation sings in reply: Thanks be to God (or Deo gratias). The congregation following the deacon / priest, then light their candle from the Easter candle and continue in procession until the whole church is alight.
The Paschal candle symbolizes Christ, the Light of the World.
'May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.'
Whilst processing into the Church, the deacon / priest lifts the candle at three different times, singing: The Light of Christ. (or Lumen Christi) and the congregation sings in reply: Thanks be to God (or Deo gratias). The congregation following the deacon / priest, then light their candle from the Easter candle and continue in procession until the whole church is alight.
The Paschal candle symbolizes Christ, the Light of the World.
The Exsultet
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Next follows the Exsultet (Easter proclamation). "This magnificent hymn, which is remarkable for its lyric beauty and profound symbolism, announces the dignity and meaning of the mystery of Easter; it tells of man's sin, of God's mercy, and of the great love of the Redeemer for mankind, admonishing us in turn to thank the Trinity for all the graces that have been lavished upon us" (©1947 With Christ Through the Year, by Bernard Strasser). This is usually sung by the deacon.
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Liturgy of the Word
During the Easter vigil, nine readings are provided: seven Old Testament and two New Testament. Not all are required to be read due to time constraints, but at least three Old Testament readings must be read, including Exodus 14. These readings help us meditate on the wonderful works of God for his people since the beginning of time.
The readings are:
The story of creation, Gen 1:1-2; 2;
The readings are:
The story of creation, Gen 1:1-2; 2;
- Abraham and Isaac, Gen 22:1-18;
- Crossing of the Red Sea, Exodus 14:15–15:1;
- Isaiah 54:5-14;
- Isaiah 55:1-11;
- Baruch 3:9-15.32–4:4;
- Ezekiel 36:16-17.18-28;
- Romans 6:3-11; and
- Gospel reading Mark 16:1-7.
The Gloria is sung before the reading of the Epistle of the Romans, and the Alleluia is sung before the Gospel.
Liturgy of Baptism
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During this time the Easter water is blessed and new members are brought into the Church through baptism, part of the liturgy includes the Litany of the Saints.
Afterwards the faithful are blessed with water and the faithful renew their baptismal promises. |
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Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Mass resumes with special prayers inserted during the Eucharist Prayer. The whole church is called to join at the sacrificial table that Christ prepared for us through His death and resurrection.
The Mass ends with the glorious
V. The Mass is ended, go in peace, alleluia, alleluia. R. Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia.
The Mass ends with the glorious
V. The Mass is ended, go in peace, alleluia, alleluia. R. Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia.
The Renewal of Baptismal Promises
Do you renounce Satan, and all his works and empty promises?
I do.
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who today through the Sacrament of Confirmation is given to you in a special way just as he was given to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost?
I do.
Do you believe in the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
I do.
The Bishop gives his assent to the profession by proclaiming the faith of the Church:
This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The gathering of the faithful gives its assent by replying:
Amen.
Do you renounce Satan, and all his works and empty promises?
I do.
Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who today through the Sacrament of Confirmation is given to you in a special way just as he was given to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost?
I do.
Do you believe in the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
I do.
The Bishop gives his assent to the profession by proclaiming the faith of the Church:
This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The gathering of the faithful gives its assent by replying:
Amen.
