CSC in 1-2-3: Easter Vigil

1) Basics: The EasterVigil is the highlight of the liturgical year. It is a celebration you don't want to miss. It begins in darkness and ends with a festive party. There are four main parts to the EasterVigil. This liturgy does count for your Sunday mass.

2) History: The Easter Vigil traditionally is the holiest night because Christians gathered in vigil waiting for the Lord to return. When he did not come in person they celebrated his presence with the Eucharist. While they waited they read the scriptures which described all of salvation history and they sang psalms and the bishop baptized the elect who joined the community in great joy and celebration. It is a night that marks the passage from death to new life. And with the newly baptized we all renew our baptismal promises and celebrate the resurrection.

3) Ceremony: A blazing fire is prepared and the paschal candle is lit from the fire, then the priest and deacon process into the dark church chanting "The Light of Christ" and lighting each person's candle from the Pascal candle (The Lucernarium). Immediately the church is transformed from dark to a glow of light. TheVigil continues with a series of readings from the Old and New Testament, beginning with the creation story and concluding with the Gospel of the Lord's resurrection. After the homily the baptismal liturgy begins, those who have been preparing for Baptism and Confirmation now receive the sacraments. This is followed by the 4th part, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, at which time all receive communion together. As the liturgy ends with a triple alleluia all are invited to come to a party in the hall and the celebration continues.

Written by Sr. Linda Straub, Campus Minister

**Join us for our Easter Vigil Mass at 7:30pm Saturday, April 8 in the CSC Chapel, with a great party to follow!**