Deacon Vince Vaillancourt

May 13-14, 2023

 The Easter Vigil

Of this night’s Vigil, which is the greatest and

most noble of all solemnities . . . Holy Church
meditates on the wonders the Lord God has
done for his people from the beginning . . .
Roman Missal
 The Easter Vigil
 The celebration of the sacraments of initiation takes place.
 The Elect receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and
Eucharist
 The Candidates make their Profession of Faither and receive the sacraments of
Confirmation and Eucharist
 The Catholic Candidates receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist

 The Elect are thereafter called Neophytes and they are considered
to be full members of the Christian faithful

 Most parishes in the Diocese of Dallas will have the sacraments for
both Elect and Candidates celebrated at the Vigil.

 Reference – Easter Vigil Script

 The Easter Vigil - 2

 NOTE –
 According to the latest USCCB guidelines, this ceremony is to be reserved
for Catechumens, so that no confusion will arise among the congregation
about who is becoming a Christian (Catechumens) and who is merely being
confirmed as a Catholic (Candidates).

 The guidelines also state that the formation process for Candidates—
including its length—should be decided on a case-by-case basis and ideally
conclude with a Confirmation at a regular Sunday Mass other than (and
typically well before) Easter Vigil. At such a Mass, Candidates (having
already been baptized) need only celebrate Confirmation and the Eucharist.
 Personal Story #3 –
Baptized at the Easter Vigil
 The Easter Vigil - 3

There is more to the Easter Vigil . . .

 Solemn beginning or Lucernam – lighting of the fire

 Liturgy of the Word – 9 readings

 Liturgy of Baptism

 Liturgy of the Eucharist

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