The Easter Vigilpart of the Easter triduum

Can you name the three parts?On what day do each of them take place?

• We begin with the Church in darkness. Why do you think this is?

Then a fire is lit outside

Fire

These pictures of fire are from which story?In each case the Fire is a symbol. What is it a symbol of?Why do you think we use fire at the Easter Vigil

The Liturgy of Light

The priest says: May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds. Which candle is lit first?

Paschal Candle

Can you explain the meaning of all the things on the candle?Don’t just describe them- you must show you understand what they mean and how they link to the Easter Story

Lighting our own CandlesEveryone carries a small candle A few small candles are lit from the Paschal Candle then the light passed on. Why?What is this showing?How does this remind you of Baptism?

The Exsultet

• The priest or someone chosen then sings the Exultet.

We listen to God’s Word

• Nine readings, seven Old Testament and two New Testament, are provided. Find out what these readings are and why we have them?

• The Gospel comes next but before the Gospel we sing Alleluia. Why is this special? What meaning does it hold?

• What is the Gospel?

Liturgy of BaptismThe priest dips the paschal candle three times into the fontAnd reminds us of all the times in the Bible water has brought a new beginning. Can you name any of these times?Why is water important in this service?Can you find out what happens next and say why?

Baptismal Promises

Can you find out what they are and why we make them now?What meaning does it hold?

Liturgy of the Eucharist

This is the part that is the same in every mass.What meaning does it have for us?

Living out the Vigil

• Look at these key words. For each word explain how the vigil reminds us of this and say how you think believing this should affect the lives of Christians

HOPE New Life

God’s Love