What happens at the Easter vigil?

Answer 1

The Easter Vigil, also called the Paschal Vigil or the Great Vigil of Easter, is a service held in many Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus. Historically, it is during this service that people (especially adults) are baptized and that adult catechumens are received into full communion with the Church. It is held in the hours of darkness between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Day-most commonly in the evening of Holy Saturday-but is considered to be the first celebration of Easter Day, since the Christian tradition considers feasts- and other days of observance where Masses are celebrated- to begin at sunset of the previous day.

Answer 2

The Easter Vigil Mass is the most important Mass of the year. Here are the special rites that happen only at the Easter Vigil Mass:

• Blessing of the fire

• Blessing and lighting of the new Pascal Candle

• Six extra Old Testament readings with accompanying responsorial psalms and prayers

• Baptisms of adults (in RCIA)

• Reception of baptized adults (in RCIA) into full Communion

• Confirmation of adults (in RCIA)

• First Communion of adults (in RCIA) RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Last year there were 49,415 adult baptisms and another 87,363 baptized adults were received into full Communion with(converted to) the Catholic Church. And that was only in the United States.

Answer 3

There is a number of events that occur at an Easter vigil starting with the service of light that includes the blessing of the fire and preparation of the candle. Next is the celebration of the sacraments of initiation and the rite of reception.

Answer 4

In the Catholic liturgy, before the Ester Vigil Mass, the "new fire" is lit. A flame from the New Fire is used to light the Paschal Candle.

Answer 5

The (Vigil) of Easter Sunday - the waiting for Jesus to rise from the dead and claim victory over this world so that we could have eternal life.