Easter – When Jesus Christ Triumphed Over Death

I like Easter. It’s the story that is played out once a year with rituals like the Blessing of the Fire - the Light of the World, the Blessing of the Paschal Candle - the Symbol of the Risen Christ.. all the signs of Hope, listening to his word and celebrating his mysteries.

Then there are the Candidates, about to embark in a new life.

It starts with the Blessing of the Fire

It carries on with Blessing of the Paschal Candle, it is the symbol of the Risen Christ who is alive in our presence today. This is very elaborate.

“Christ yesterday and today….the Beginning and the End …the ALPHA (he cuts the letter Alpha above the vertical line)and  OMEGA  (he cuts the letter Omega below the vertical line). All time belongs to Him and all the ages. To him be glory & power, through every age and for ever. Amen.                                                                                      

 When the Cross and other symbols have been inscribed, the Celebrant inserts five grains of incense in the candle in the form of a cross then lights the Candle.

Altar servers and ministers light  their candles from the Paschal candle pass the light  to those in the church.                  

 

Inside Church entrance, the Celebrant  lifts the Easter candle high and sings the  second time..'The Light of Christ'

            

The Celebrant stands at the Sanctuary, lifts the Easter Candle high and sings the 3rd time. "The Light of Christ"

The Easter proclamation proclaiming the great joy and glory of this night...                     

                       

The Candidates are invited onto the sanctuary......   

    ........... accompanied by their Sponsors.  

Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism starts with the blessing of the Baptismal Water. The Celebrant lowers the Paschal Candle into the water and continues.....

Renunciation and Renewal of Baptismal Promises: The Alter Servers, Hospitality Ministers and Godparents then light their candles from the Paschal Candle and pass the light around to the congregation....Do you renounce sin. Do you renounce the lure of the evil, Do you renounce Satan the author and prince of sin...'I Do'.

Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens: The Celebrant anoints each Candidate with the Oil catechumens on both hands. 

Rite of the Sacrament of Baptism.

The youngest candidate to be Baptized.... 

Presentation of the Light....to the newly Baptized

The newly baptized come forward with their sponsors, to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Born again in Christ by Baptism you have become members of Christ and of his Priestly people.

Sprinkling of Holy Water....We have renounced the devil and renewed our faith in God. 

The newly Baptized in procession bearing gifts . ....    

Mass has ended.....A Happy and Joyous Easter to each and all

JAG