The Great Easter Vigil: The Most Momentous Liturgy in the Catholic Church
Garden Grove, Calif., (April 12, 2017) – The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, will baptize the elect and accept candidates into full communion in the Roman Catholic Church during the Great Easter Vigil.
Across the Diocese of Orange this year, more than 1,000 people will be baptized and nearly 700 baptized candidates will be received into full communion during these sacred rites.
Event Details
- What: The Great Easter Vigil
- When: Saturday, April 15, 2017, at 7:45 p.m.
- Where: Holy Family Cathedral in Orange
“We are blessed as a Diocese to baptize so many new Catholics on this Holy Saturday. It is inspiring as a Bishop to welcome a record number of new Catholics into our church. This ceremony is the climax of the liturgical year and serves as a tangible display of the growth and vibrancy of Catholicism in Orange County,” said Bishop Vann.
The Four Parts of the Easter Vigil
This ancient and solemn ceremony consists of four main parts:
1. The Service of Light
The service begins outside the church in darkness, which represents the world without Christ. Worshippers gather around a bonfire where the Bishop blesses the new fire and lights the Paschal candle, symbolizing the Light of the Risen Christ. A procession follows the candle into the dark church, stopping three times to chant “Light of Christ,” to which the people respond “Thanks be to God.” Once inside, the Easter proclamation, or Exultet, is sung, recounting God’s saving acts throughout history.
2. The Liturgy of the Word
This liturgy consists of seven readings from the Old Testament which recount the history of the People of God, followed by a New Testament reading. After the readings, the altar candles are lit, bells are rung, and the Alleluia is sung for the first time since the beginning of Lent. The Liturgy concludes with the Gospel reading describing the resurrection of Jesus and a Homily that assists those present to reflect on its meaning in their own lives.
3. Christian Initiation and Renewal of Baptismal Vows
This is the portion of the Vigil where new members are brought into the Church.
- Blessing of Water: All elect and candidates join the congregation in invoking the saints. The Bishop then blesses the water within the baptismal font.
- Baptism: The unbaptized (the elect) are asked to renounce sin and profess their faith. The Bishop then baptizes them with the blessed water, marking their sacramental entry into Christian life and membership in the people of God.
- Profession of Faith: Candidates who have already been baptized in other Christian traditions state their belief in the Creed and in all that the Catholic Church teaches.
- Confirmation: The newly-baptized and those who have made their profession of faith share in the sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Vann anoints them with Chrism, a fragrant oil, binding them more perfectly to the Church through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
4. The Holy Eucharist
All of the evening’s sacraments culminate in the Holy Eucharist, the final sacrament of initiation. For the first time, the new members of the Church receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ through Holy Communion. This sacrament is considered the final step in their initiation into the Roman Catholic Church and the beginning of their new journey with Christ, carried out in keeping with the Last Supper.
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