Holy Saturday
(Easter Vigil)
Scripture Readings
Gen 1:1-2:2; Gen 22:1-18; Ex 14:15-15:1; Is 54:5-14; Is 55:5-11;
Bar 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28; Rom 6:3-11; Lk 24:1-12

The Liturgy of Holy Saturday is divided into four parts;

1.New Fire and Light of Christ
      A fire usually outside the church is brightly burning to remind us that Jesus is our light in the
      darkness and the new Paschal Candle is blessed and lit from the flames of this fire. All
      present lights a candle from the Paschal Candle and processes into the darkened church.
      The Easter Proclamation (Exultet) is proclaimed.

2. Vigil reading of the Old Testament and New Testament
       These readings call to mind the stories of creation and the working of God in the lives of
       the Israelites. A minimum of three readings and a maximum of seven readings (see above
       for the readings) will be used.

       From the Old Testament Readings we go to the singing of the Gloria and the ringing of the
       bells. Then a New Testament letter is read.

       After which the Alleluia is joyfully sung for the first time since Lent began, to prepare us
       for the reading of the Gospel. A homily follows.

3. Sacraments of Initiation
      Catechumens (those to be baptized) are initiated into the church with baptism and
      confirmation. During communion, they will receive the Eucharist for the first time.
      We give our prayerful support by praying the Litany of the Saints. We welcome our new
      members into the church and parish community.

4. Liturgy of the Eucharist
      The Mass continues as usual with the Eucharist.