Paschal Triduum - Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday

• A vigil service is held after nightfall on Holy Saturday, or before dawn on Easter Sunday, in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. Many of the details that follow hold for Anglican/Episcopal as well as Roman Catholic worship.
• The ceremony of darkness and light is held at the beginning of the Vigil Mass.
  • The paschal candle, representing Jesus' resurrection as the "return of light into the world," is lit.
  • The solemn procession to the altar with the Paschal candle is formed.
  • Once everyone has processed in, the Exsultet is intoned.
• After the Exsultet, everyone is seated and listens to seven readings from the Old Testament and seven Psalms. At least three of these readings and associated psalms must be read, which must include the account of the first Passover from the Book of Exodus. Pastoral conditions are taken into account when deciding on the number of readings. These readings account salvation history, beginning with Creation. In Anglican/Episcopal worship, there are nine possible readings from the Old Testament, and a minimum of two must be read, which must include the account of Israel's deliverance at the Red Sea.
• In Roman Catholic practice, during the Gloria at the Mass, the organ and church bells are used in the liturgy for the first time in two days.
  • If the lights of the Church have been previously left off, they are turned on as the Gloria begins.
• The Paschal candle is used to bless the baptismal font to be used in the celebration of the sacrament.
• The Great Alleluia is sung before the Gospel is read, Alleluia being used for the first time since before Lent.
• People receiving full initiation in the Church, who have completed their training, are given the Sacraments of Christian initiation (Baptism, confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist). In Roman Catholic and Anglican/Episcopal tradition, the Easter Vigil is an especially appropriate day for Holy Baptism.
• In current practice, the use of lighting to signify the emergence from sin and the resurrection of Jesus varies, from the use of candles held by parishioners as well as candelabras lit throughout the church.
• If statues and images have been veiled during the last two weeks of Lent, they are unveiled, without ceremony, before the Easter Vigil service begins.
• Color of vestments and hangings: white, often together with gold, with yellow and white flowers often in use in many parishes.
• Easter Masses are held throughout the day and are similar in content to the Easter Vigil Mass.