But we've already covered what will be going on at Holy Thursday services, so we are going to continue on down the list.
Holy Saturday, in and of itself, is not all that spectacular. It's what happens at midnight that makes this day a beautiful day to be a Catholic. Easter Vigil Mass is said in the evening, or night of Holy Saturday. Traditionally, it is to be said at midnight, but it can actually be said at any point during the evening of Holy Saturday.
The service is divided into four parts; service of Light, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of Baptism, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The first service, service of Light begins with a lights off in the church, and the people outside. The priest lights a (controlled) new fire, and from that he lights the new Paschal Candle, which had been previously marked with a cross, and the Greek symbols Alpha and Omega. These represent Christ, today and yesterday, beginning and end, all time belongs to Him, and all ages.
After the candle is lit, the people light their candles from it, and process into the church singing.
In the Liturgy of the Word, seven readings from the Old Testament are heard, and two from the New. Don't let this scare you off, the readings go quickly, and make perfect sense in the order that they are read. They are to help us meditate on the works of God since the the beginning of time. The Gloria is sung, and finally, before the Gospel, we get to sing the Alleluia again.
The third part, Liturgy of Baptism is an opportunity for us all to renew our baptismal promises, and for new members of the Church to be baptized. We welcome them with open arms, and move on to the final part of the Easter Vigil Mass; the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
This is celebrated like at any other mass, with a breaking of the bread, consecration of the bread and wine. The mass ends, and we are dismissed, and with a rousing Easter hymn, the congregation goes home and sleeps.
Easter Sunday services are a little different. they are very similar to Christmas Day mass and our regular high Masses. The church is decked out in white and gold, and filled with Easter lilies. No special extras, except for the opportunity to renew your baptismal promises.
With that being said, I have a special reminder for you all; starting tomorrow at 3:00, pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. This is a Novena written by Sr. Faustina of Poland who saw and spoke with both Jesus and Mary. I have put a link in my links page for you to learn how to pray the Chaplet, and I will fill you all in on this amazing opportunity to pray to our God.
Have a blessed Tridiuum, and I'll fill you all in on the Divine Mercy Chaplet on Sunday along with all of my fun Easter doings!
Totus tuus,
LeAnn
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