On Holy Thursday, we glory in the Cross where Christ laid down his life offering the perfect sacrifice of love once and for all. Through the institution of the Eucharist, in which we commemorate on this night, his sacrifice on the cross is made present to us and through this sacrifice we are saved. We also celebrate the ordained priests who during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, stand “in persona” of Christ and by the working of the Holy Spirit the bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Christ.
On Good Friday, we enter into the liturgy in silence, and we share in Christ’s love for humankind and we become participants as we surrender to the will of the Father. “We Adore You, O Christ and we praise you, For because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world!”
On Holy Saturday, we spend the day in silence reflecting on this great mystery of our faith. We anticipate the night ahead where the elect prepare for Baptism, and all of us renew our baptismal promises.
At the Great Easter Vigil begins with the Paschal candle lighting the way. The beautiful words of the Exsultet sets the tone, as “heaven is wedded to earth”. The liturgy of the Word is extended as we celebrate what the Lord God has done throughout history. We once again sing, Alleluia! with full voice as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. After invoking the intercession of all the saints, the elect are brought to the font where they are baptized in the waters of rebirth and the lay faithful renew their baptismal promises. All are sprinkled with the waters of rebirth. The sacrament of Confirmation is also celebrated. The liturgy of the Eucharist continues in the usual fashion with a special commemoration for the baptized and godparents. At the concluding rites, there is a solemn blessings and the double Alleluia dismissal. https://bit.ly/2Oa898g Easter Vigil Music
Easter Sunday is the pattern and purpose for all other Sundays in the liturgical year. This feast is too much to take in for a one- day celebration. The celebration is extended for eight days culminating with Divine Mercy Sunday. The Easter season continues until Pentecost Sunday with the celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let us celebrate well! He is Risen!