EIGHTEEN QUESTIONS ON THE PASCHAL TRIDUUM

The following eighteen questions address the most commonly received

questions concerning the Sacred Paschal Triduum, and may be freely
reproduced by diocesan Offices for Worship, parish Liturgy Committees, and
others seeking to promote the effective celebration of these most sacred days.
1.

When does the Triduum begin and end?

The Easter Triduum begins with the evening Mass of the Lords Supper on
Holy Thursday, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes with
Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday.

2.

May another Mass besides the Mass of the Lords Supper be

celebrated on Holy Thursday?
Ordinarily, no other Mass may be celebrated on Holy Thursday. However,
by way of exception, the local Ordinary may permit another Mass in
churches and oratories to be celebrated in the evening, and, in the case of
genuine necessity, even in the morning. Such Masses are provided for
those who in no way are able to participate in the evening Mass.

3.

How are the Holy Oils, consecrated and blessed at the Chrism
Mass, to be received in the parish?
A reception of the oils may take place before the Mass of the Lords Supper.
The oils, in suitable vessels, can be carried in procession by members of
the assembly. A text for this can be found here.

4.

Is the Mandatum, the washing of feet at the Mass of the Lords

Supper, required?
No. The Roman Missal only indicates, After the Homily, where a pastoral
reason suggests it [ubi ratio pastoralis id suadeat], the Washing of Feet
follows.

5.

When should the Good Friday Celebration of the Lords Passion

take place?
Normally it should take place in the afternoon, at about 3:00 PM, to enable
people to assemble more easily. However, pastoral discretion may indicate
a time shortly after midday, or in the late evening, though never later than
9:00 PM. Depending on the size or nature of a parish or other community,
the local Ordinary may permit the service to be repeated.

6.

May a deacon officiate at the Celebration of the Lords Passion?

Although the Celebration of the Lord's Passion appears to be a service of
the Word with the distribution of Holy Communion, the Roman Missal does
not permit a deacon to officiate at the celebration. Historically, even though
the Eucharist is not celebrated on this day, the liturgy of Good Friday bears
resemblance to a Mass. At one time it was called the Mass of the
Presanctified (referring to the pre-consecrated hosts used at Communion,
even when only the priest received Communion). This is also reflected in
the prescribed vesture for the priest: stole and chasuble. The liturgy of
Good Friday, as an integral part of the Triduum, is linked to the Holy
Thursday Mass of the Lords Supper and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.
While there may be cases where a parish with multiple churches or chapels
(e.g., mission churches or a cluster of parishes under one pastor) might
rotate the liturgies among the various locations, it would not be appropriate
for a community to celebrate only part of the Triduum.

7.

May any of the readings at the Celebration of the Lords Passion

be omitted?
The Lectionary for Mass does not indicate that any readings may be
omitted at the Celebration of the Lords Passion. All three readings (Isaiah,
Hebrews, and the Passion according to John) are required. It should be
noted, however, for Palm Sunday of the Lords Passion,
the Lectionary indicates that while all three readings provided should be
used, there may be circumstances in which one or more of the readings at
Mass could be omitted: Given, however, the importance of the account of
the Lords Passion, the priest, having in mind the character of each
individual congregation, is authorized to choose only one of the two
readings prescribed before the Gospel, or if necessary, he may read only
the account of the Passion, even in the shorter form. This permission
applies, however, only to Masses celebrated with a congregation. Thus,
the account of the Passion is never omitted.

8.

Does the Church encourage any other liturgical celebrations on

Good Friday?
On this day the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer could appropriately
be celebrated with the participation of the people in the churches. Note that
Evening Prayer is only prayed by those who do not participate in the
Celebration of the Lords Passion.

9.

Do devotions have a particular importance on Good Friday?

The Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (2002) provides the proper
perspective in paragraphs 142-145. Clearly the central celebration of this
day is the Good Friday Celebration of the Lords Passion. In no way should
manifestations of popular piety, either by the time or manner in which they

are convoked, substitute for this solemn liturgical action. Nor should
aspects of the various acts of piety be mixed with the Good Friday
celebration, creating a hybrid. In recent times, Passion processions,
celebrations of the Stations of the Cross, and Passion Plays have become
more common. In such representations, actors and spectators can be
involved in a moment of faith and genuine piety. Care should be taken,
however, to point out to the faithful that a Passion Play is a representation
which is commemorative and they are very different from liturgical actions
which are anamnesis, or the mysterious presence of the redemptive event
of the Passion.
10.

How does the Adoration of the Holy Cross on Good Friday begin?
The Adoration of the Holy Cross begins with one of two forms of the
Showing of the Holy Cross. The First Form begins as the deacon or another
suitable minister goes to the sacristy and obtains the veiled Cross.
Accompanied by two ministers with lighted candles, the veiled Cross is
brought to the center of the sanctuary in procession. The priest accepts the
Cross and then, standing in front of the altar and facing the people,
uncovers the upper part of the Cross, the right arm, and then the entire
Cross. Each time he unveils a part of the Cross, he sings the
acclamation, Behold the wood of the Cross. In the Second Form of the
Showing of the Holy Cross, the priest or deacon goes to the church door,
where he takes up the uncovered Cross. Accompanied by two ministers
with lighted candles, he processes to the sanctuary, stopping at the door of
the church, in the middle of the church, and before entering the sanctuary,
to sing the acclamation, Behold the wood of the Cross.

11.

How is the cross venerated by members of the congregation on

Good Friday?
After the showing of the Cross, the priest or deacon may carry the Cross to
the entrance of the sanctuary or another suitable place. The first person to
adore the Cross is the priest celebrant. If circumstances suggest, he takes
off his chasuble and his shoes. The clergy, lay ministers and the faithful
then approach the Cross. The personal adoration of the Cross is an
important feature in this celebration and every effort should be made to
achieve it. The rubrics remind us that only one Cross should be used for
adoration. If the numbers are so great that all cannot come forward, the
priest, after some of the clergy and faithful have adored the Cross, can take
it and stand in the center before the altar. In a few words he invites the
people to adore the Cross. He then elevates the Cross higher for a brief
period of time while the faithful adore it in silence. It should also be kept in
mind that when a sufficiently large Cross is used even a large community
can reverence it in due time. The foot of the Cross as well as the right and
left arm can be approached and venerated. Coordination with ushers and

planning the flow of people beforehand can allow for this part of the liturgy
to be celebrated with decorum and devotion.
12.

When should the Easter Vigil take place?

The Vigil, by its very nature, must take place at night. It is not begun before
nightfall and should end before daybreak on Easter Sunday. The
celebration of the Easter Vigil takes the place of the Office of Readings of
Easter Sunday. The Easter Vigil begins and ends in darkness. It is
a nocturnal vigil, retaining its ancient character of vigilance and expectation,
as the Christian people await the Resurrection of the Lord during the night.
Fire is blessed and the paschal candle is lighted to illumine the night so that
all may hear the Easter proclamation and listen to the word of God
proclaimed in the Scriptures. For this reason the Solemn Beginning of the
Vigil (Lucernarium) takes place before the Liturgy of the Word. Since sunset
varies at different locations throughout the country, local weather stations
can be consulted as to the time of sunset in the area, keeping in mind that
twilight concludes (i.e., nightfall occurs) somewhat later.

13.

What considerations should be given for the paschal candle used

at the Easter Vigil?
This candle should be made of wax, never be artificial, be replaced each
year, be only one in number, and be of sufficiently large size that it may
convey the truth that Christ is the light of the world. The paschal candle is
the symbol of thelight of Christ, rising in glory, scattering the darkness of
our hearts and minds. Above all, the paschal candle should be a genuine
candle, the pre-eminent symbol of the light of Christ. Choice of size, design,
and color should be made in relationship to the sanctuary in which it will be
placed.

14.

In the case of mission churches and cluster parishes, can multiple

paschal candles be used for the Service of Light?
The Roman Missal, not envisioning the pastoral situation of mission
churches or cluster parishes, specifies that only one paschal candle is
used. To accommodate the particular circumstances, the Secretariat of
Divine Worship might suggest that the candles from the mission churches
or other parish churches could be present at the Easter Vigil, having been
prepared in advance, and blessed alongside the main candle (perhaps
having deacons or other representatives holding them). In keeping with the
rubrics, for the lighting and procession only one candle should be lit (the
principal one, or the one which will remain in that particular church). As the
other candles in the congregation are lit, the other paschal candles could be
lit and held(but not high, in order to maintain the prominence of the one
principal candle) by someone at their place in the assembly. Once all the
candles are extinguished after the singing of the Exsultet, the other paschal

candles are put aside. On Easter Sunday morning, those candles could be
taken to each of the missions and carried, lit, in the entrance procession at
the first Mass at each church and put in place in the sanctuary.
15.

How many readings should be proclaimed at the Easter Vigil?

One of the unique aspects of the Easter Vigil is the recounting of the
outstanding deeds of the history of salvation. These deeds are related in
seven readings from the Old Testament chosen from the law and the
prophets and two readings from the New Testament, namely from the
Apostle Paul and from the Gospel. Thus, the Lord meets us once again on
our journey and, beginning with Moses and all the prophets (Lk 24:27)
opens up our minds and hearts, preparing us to share in the breaking of the
bread and the drinking of the cup. The faithful are encouraged to meditate
on these readings by the singing of a responsorial psalm, followed by a
silent pause, and then by the celebrants prayer. Meditation on these
readings is so significant for this night that we are strongly urged to use all
the readings whenever it can be done. Only in the case of grave pastoral
circumstances can the number of readings be reduced. In such cases, at
least three readings from the Old Testament should be read, always
including Exodus 14.

16.

How is the First Communion of the neophytes to be emphasized

during the Easter Vigil?
The celebrant, before he says, Behold the Lamb of God, may make a brief
remark to the neophytes about their first Communion and about the
importance of so great a mystery, which is the climax of initiation and the
center of the Christian life. This is a night when all should be able to receive
Holy Communion under both forms.

17.

What directions are given for the celebration of Masses on Easter

Sunday?
Mass is to be celebrated on Easter Day with great solemnity. A full
complement of ministers and the use of liturgical music should be evident in
all celebrations. On Easter Sunday in the dioceses of the United States, the
rite of the renewal of baptismal promises may take place after the homily,
followed by the sprinkling with water blessed at the Vigil, during which the
antiphon Vidi aquam, or some other song of baptismal character should be
sung. (If the renewal of baptismal promises does not occur, then the Creed
is said. TheRoman Missal notes that the Apostles' Creed, "the baptismal
Symbol of the Roman Church," might be appropriately used during Easter
Time.) The holy water fonts at the entrance to the church should also be
filled with the same water. On the subsequent Sundays of Easter, it is
appropriate that the Rite for the Blessing and Sprinkling of Water take the
place of the Penitential Act.

18.

Where is the paschal candle placed during Easter Time?

The paschal candle has its proper place either by the ambo or by the altar
and should be lit at least in all the more solemn liturgical celebrations of the
season until Pentecost Sunday, whether at Mass, or at Morning and
Evening Prayer. After Easter Time the candle should be kept with honor in
the baptistery, so that in the celebration of Baptism the candles of the
baptized may be lit from it. In the celebration of funerals the paschal candle
should be placed near the coffin to indicate Christs undying presence, his
victory over sin and death, and the promise of sharing in Christs victory by
virtue of being part of the Body of Christ (see Order of Christian Funerals,
no. 35). The paschal candle should not otherwise be lit nor placed in the
sanctuary outside Easter Time.

EASTER VIGIL
The Easter Vigil liturgy is the most beautiful liturgy in the Roman Catholic
Church. This walks through the Easter Vigil, and includes the words to the
Exsultet.

DIRECTIONS
Although celebrated Holy Saturday evening, it is the dramatic Easter vigil liturgy
that marks the beginning of Easter. We are awaiting our master's return with our
lamps full and burning, so that he will find us awake and seat us at his table (cf.
Luke 12:35ff). All Catholics should try to attend this beautiful service. The vigil is
divided into four parts:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Service of Light,
Liturgy of the Word,
Liturgy of Baptism, and
Liturgy of the Eucharist.

1) Service of Light The atmosphere in the church is different: the holy

water fonts are drained, all the lights are out, the tabernacle is empty. The
service begins outside the church. A new fire is lit and blessed.
A Paschal Candle is prepared with these words while the priest marks the
candle:
Christ yesterday and today (vertical arm of the cross)
the Beginning and the End (horizontal arm of the cross)
the Alpha (alpha above the cross)
and the Omega (omega below the cross)
All time belongs to him (numeral 2 in upper left corner of cross)
and all the ages (numeral 1 in upper right corner of cross)
To him be glory and power (numeral 4 in lower left corner)
through every age and for ever. Amen (numeral 0 in lower right corner)
Then the priest may insert five grains of incense into the candle in the form of a
cross, meanwhile saying:
1. By his holy
2. and glorious wounds,
3. may Christ the Lord
4. guard us
5. and protect us. Amen.
The priest lights the candle from the new fire, saying:
May the light of Christ, rising in glory,
dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.
The candle is then processed through the church, with the deacon lifting the
candle at three different times, singing: The Light of Christ. (or Lumen Christi)
and the congregation sings in reply: Thanks be to God (or Deo gratias).
Everyone lights their candle from the Easter candle and continue in procession
until the whole church is alight. The Paschal candle symbolizes Christ, the Light
of the World.

Next follows the glorious Easter song of the Catholic Church:

the Exsultet (Easter proclamation). "This magnificent hymn, which is remarkable
for its lyric beauty and profound symbolism, announces the dignity and meaning
of the mystery of Easter; it tells of man's sin, of God's mercy, and of the great
love of the Redeemer for mankind, admonishing us in turn to thank the Trinity
for all the graces that have been lavished upon us" (1947 With Christ Through
the Year, by Bernard Strasser). This is usually sung by the deacon.
Exsultet (excerpted)
Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven,
exult, let Angel ministers of God exults,
let the trumpet of salvation
sound aloud our mighty King's triumph!
Be glad, let earth be glad, as glory floods her,
ablaze with light from her eternal King,
let all corners of the earth be glad,
knowing an end to gloom and darkness.
Rejoice, let Mother Church also rejoice,
arrayed with the lightning of his glory,
let this holy building shake with joy,
filled with the mighty voices of the peoples....
It is truly right and just,
with ardent love of mind and heart
and with devoted service of our voice,
to acclaim our God invisible, the almighty Father,
and Jesus Christ, our Lord, his Son, his Only Begotten.
Who for our sake paid Adam's debt to the eternal Father,
and, pouring out his own dear Blood,
wiped clean the record of our ancient sinfulness.

These, then, are the feasts of Passover,

in which is slain the Lamb, the one true Lamb,
whose Blood anoints the doorposts of believers.
This is the night,
when once you led our forebears, Israel's children,
from slavery in Egypt
and made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea.
This is the night,
when once you led our forebears, Israel's children,
from slavery in Egypt
and made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea.
This is the night
that with a pillar of fire
banished the darkness of sin.
This is the night
that even now, throughout the world,
sets Christian believers apart from worldly vices
and from the gloom of sin,
leading them to grace
and joining them to his holy ones.
This is the night
when Christ broke the prison-bars of death
and rose victorious from the underworld.
Our birth would have been no gain,
had we not been redeemed.
O wonder of your humble care for us!
O love, O charity beyond all telling,
to ransom a slave you gave away your Son!

O truly necessary sin of Adam,

destroyed completely by the Death of Christ!
O happy fault
that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer!
O truly blessed night,
worthy alone to know the time and hour
when Christ rose from the underworld!
This is the night
of which it is written:
The night shall be as bright as day,
dazzling is the night for me,
and full of gladness.
The sanctifying power of this night
dispels wickedness, washes faults away,
restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners,
drives out hatred, fosters concord, and brings down the mighty.
On this, your night of grace, O holy Father,
accept this candle, a solemn offering,
the work of bees and your servants' hands.
an evening sacrifice of praise,
this gift from your most holy Church.
But now we know the praises of this pillar,
which glowing fire ignites for God's honor,
a fire into many flames divided,
yet never dimmed by sharing of its light,
for it is fed by melting wax,
drawn out by mother bees
to build a torch so precious.

O truly blessed night,

when thing of heaven are wed to those of earth,
and divine to the human.
Therefore, O Lord,
we pray you that this candle,
hallowed to the honor of your name,
may persevere undimmed,
to overcome the darkness of this night,
Receive it as a pleasing fragrance,
and let it mingle with the lights of heaven.
May this flame be found still burning
by the Morning Star:
the one Morning Star who never sets,
Christ your Son,
who, coming back from death's domain,
has shed his peaceful light on humanity,
and lives and reigns for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
For more information about this ancient part of the Easter Vigil Liturgy, please
see The Exsultet from the Catholic Culture Library.
2) Liturgy of the Word
During the Easter vigil, nine readings are provided: seven Old Testament
and two New Testament. Not all are required to be read due to time
constraints, but at least three Old Testament readings must be read, including
Exodus 14. These readings help us meditate on the wonderful works of God for
his people since the beginning of time. The readings are:
1. the story of creation, Gen 1:1-2; 2;
2. Abraham and Isaac, Gen 22:1-18;
3. Crossing of the Red Sea, Exodus 14:1515:1;

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Isaiah 54:5-14;
Isaiah 55:1-11;
Baruch 3:9-15.324:4;
Ezekiel 36:16-17.18-28;
Romans 6:3-11; and
Gospel reading Mark 16:1-7.
The Gloria is sung before the reading of the Epistle of the Romans, and
the Alleluia is sung before the Gospel.
3) Liturgy of Baptism
During this time the Easter water is blessed, new members are brought
into the Church through baptism, part of the liturgy includes the Litany of
the Saints. Afterwards the faithful are blessed with water and all renew
their baptismal promises.
4) Liturgy of Eucharist
So resumes the Mass, with the special prayers inserted during the
Eucharist Prayer. The whole church is called to join at the sacrificial table
that Christ prepared for us through his death and resurrection. The Mass
ends with the glorious
V. The Mass is ended, go in peace, alleluia, alleluia. R. Thanks be to
God, alleluia, alleluia.
Jennifer Gregory Miller Jennifer G. Miller
Activity Source: Original Text (JGM) by Jennifer Gregory Miller,
Copyright 2003-2014 by Jennifer Gregory Miller

TheTriduum:
SignsOfNewLife

Background Notes
Holy Week is the "week of weeks" for Christians. During it we focus on the
death and resurrection of Jesus. There would be no Christianity without the
events we commemorate during this week. There would be no Christian
churches. Without this week, there would be no Christ the Lord!
Holy Week, as we celebrate it today, began in the city of Jerusalem. It was there
that Jesus suffered, died, and was raised from the dead. The followers of Jesus
wanted to relive those important moments. They believed that Jesus would be
with them as they did so. Through ritual and story they retold and experienced
anew the story of salvation.
Every year the church retells this holy story through ritual and the word of
scripture. What happened two thousand years ago is present again each time
these great mysteries are commemorated.
Unfortunately, not that many teenagers experience the great mysteries
celebrated during the Triduum (the "three days" of Holy Thursday, Good Friday,
and Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil). Consequently, they never learn about some of
the fundamental symbols of Christianity. The purpose of this assembly then is to
explain and celebrate these mysteries by directing attention to the rich and
sensual symbolism of the Sacred Triduum.
Again, because of length, you might decide to divide this material and use it in
several sessions. Ideally, however, the assembly should take place just before
Holy Week.
Preparation
As with all gatherings of this kind, the presence of parents, family, and other
guests can enhance the celebration. You might also want to invite the

catechumens in your parish so they can be introduced to the assembly.

Symbols of Holy Week should be displayed in as bold a fashion as possible,
including holy oils, a large, preferably crude wooden cross, the Paschal Candle,
and water. Pictures and symbols of light and water should also be displayed.
Prior to the assembly, divide participants into small study groups. Ask each
group to research one of the seven symbols highlighted in this service. If you
don't have seven groups, some groups can take two symbols. There should be
rehearsals of the 14 reading parts so that they can be proclaimed boldly, clearly,
and with enthusiasm.
Time to Listen

Group One: The Blessing of Oils

Reader One
On Thursday of Holy Week, or on another designated day, the bishop and
priests of the diocese will gather with parish leaders at the cathedral (the
bishop's church). Three kinds of special oils will be blessed there. Some of
these oils will be carded back to our own parish church.
Reader Two
They will be kept in a special display case, and used to anoint chosen people in
our parish. Among these chosen people are our catechumens, our newly
baptized, our newly confirmed, and our sick. All of us were anointed at baptism
with sacred oil. We are all chosen people.
(The following choral testimony can be recited by two people from group one.)
Speaker One
Oil gives life to dry skin.
Speaker Two
Sacred oil gives new life to dry spirits.
Speaker One
Oil protects the body from the burning rays of the sun.
Speaker Two

Sacred oil protects the newly baptized from the evil of sin.
Speaker One
Oil heals the wounds of sores and rashes.
Speaker Two
Sacred oil soothes and sometimes heals the sick and dying.
Speaker One
In ancient times, oil was used to anoint kings and prophets.
Speaker Two
Today, sacred oil marks the newly baptized as daughters and sons
of God.
Group Two: The Washing of Feet

Reader Three
Palestine, the land where Jesus lived, is dry and dusty. Jesus and his
contemporaries wore sandals or went barefoot Everyone had dirty feet. It was a
special sign of hospitality and etiquette to give visitors water to wash their feet
before they sat down to eat.
Reader Four
When Jesus gathered his friends to eat the Passover Meal, his last supper, he
bent over to wash the feet of his apostles. He began with Peter. (Two
participants from group two should do the following role-play.)
Peter
Lord, are you going to wash my feet?
Jesus
Yes, you will understand why later.
Peter

You shall never wash my feet!

Jesus
If I dont, you can't share what belongs to me.
Peter
Then wash all of me, not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.
Reader Five
Jesus washed the feet of his followers as an example to us. On Holy Thursday,
the priest (or other ministers) will wash the feet of twelve parishioners in
imitation of Jesus. We learn from this that we should always be ready to serve
others and take care of their needs.
(If possible, now have a symbolic washing of feet. Ask for volunteers
beforehand and explain how the washing will be done. Volunteers will need to
know if they should wear shoes and socks, when to take them off how you will
do the washing, etc.)
Group Three: The Holy Table
(Several group members should dress the bare altar table with
a table cloth, flowers, and candles.)
Reader Six
There is something very special about tables. They bring people together to
share food and drink. People tell stories and share their lives when they gather
around a table.
Reader
Seven

The night before Jesus died, he gathered his friends around a

table for what was to be his last supper with them. They
remembered the good times and worded about what lay ahead.
Because it was the Sabbath, they also shared the sacred stories
about God's loving care for the chosen people. Jesus told them
goodbye. But not really goodbye!

Group Three: Bread and Wine

(Several from this group should bring forward to the table a loaf of unsliced bread and a carafe
of wine. Have them hold up the loaf and the carafe so that participants can see them clearly as
the following choral testimony is recited.)
Speaker One
Bread is made from thousands of grains of wheat.
Speaker Two
The grain is ground into flour.
Speaker One
Bread smells good when it's baking.
Speaker Two
Bread is a universal food throughout the world.
Speaker One
Wine is made from thousands of grapes.
Speaker Two
The grapes are pressed together to make juice.
Speaker One
The juice is aged until it ferments.
Speaker Two
Wine is served at celebrations.
Speaker One
At the last supper Jesus took bread, blessed it, and said:
Speaker Two
This is my body which will be given up for you.
Speaker One
Then he took a cup of wine, blessed it, and said:
Speaker Two
This cup is the cup of my blood which will be poured out for you.
Speaker One
17

Then Jesus said: Come together, again and again.

Speaker Two
Remember me by eating this holy bread.
Speaker One
Remember me by drinking from this holy cup.
Group Four: The Cross
Reader Eight
I invite you to close your eyes and imagine with me for a moment that we are a group of
Christians living 40 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Bad things are happening
to Christians. The Roman government has outlawed Christianity and forbidden us to assemble
as a group. If we get caught, we will be arrested, put on trial, and very likely put to death.
Reader Nine
These first Christians needed a symbol to remind them that Jesus was among them, one that
would help them identify themselves to each other but not to the enemy. Listen as they decide
upon a symbol.
(This group of four speakers should first of all stand before the cross you have displayed and
bow deeply toward it for a moment of silent prayer. Then they should role-play the following
clearly and dramatically so that the entire assembly can hear and follow their testimony.)
Speaker One
The governor's new orders say that we can no longer gather publicly.
Speaker Two
When will we share the holy bread and cup then?
Speaker Three
How will we recognize other believers?
Speaker Four
They can't stop us from gathering, we'll just meet in secret.
Speaker One
But if anyone finds out, we'll be arrested. We have to be careful!
Speaker Two
18

What about visitors from other towns? How will they know where to find us?
Speaker Three
I have an idea. Why don't we use a sign, something that only other Christians
can understand.
Speaker Four
We could use a cross, but maybe that would be admitting defeat.
Speaker One
No, because the cross isn't only a sign of death and defeat. Jesus overcame
the
cross, so it's also a sign of victory.
Speaker Two
We have every right to be proud of the cross.
Speaker Three
Let's agree then that the cross will be our special sign.
Speaker Four
I wonder, will Christians cherish this sign as we do thousands of years from now?
Group Six: The Paschal (or Easter) Candle
(This group approaches the Paschal Candle and bows deeply toward it for a moment of silent
prayer. One of the group members should then light it. Once it is lit, individuals in the group
should do the following role-play.)
Speaker One
This is a big candle. It is almost as tall as I am.
Speaker Two
It's big because it's important. It's the Paschal Candle.
Speaker Three
Light makes me feel happy, I hate the dark.
Speaker Four
I like the sun and the moon and the stars.
Speaker One
And I like bright lights.
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Speaker Two
Jesus is like the light.
Speaker Three
He called himself the light of the world.
Speaker Four
The darkness of death couldn't hold him,
Speaker One
Now his light shines on us.
Speaker Two
It feels good to stand in the light of Jesus.
Speaker Three
Easter is a time when we celebrate the light of Jesus Christ.
Group Six: Water
Reader Ten
Water is a meaningful Easter symbol of new life. The waters of baptism are blessed at the
Easter Vigil and catechumens are baptized then. Babies are baptized on other Sundays of the
year. Each Sunday is a "little Easter."
(Members of this group now do the following choral testimony.)
All
Water...water...water.
(Pause)
Left Side
Water cleans us when we're dirty.
Right Side
It is necessary for plants to grow.
Left Side
When we're thirsty, water satisfies us.
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Right Side
It refreshes us when we swim and play in it.
All
Water is a gift from God.
Reader Eleven
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was a
formless void. There was darkness over the deep and God's spirit hovered over
the waters. God said "Let there be a vault in the waters to divide the waters in
two." And so it was.
Reader Twelve
God made the vault and divided the waters above the vault from the waters
under the vault. God called the waters above the vault, heaven. God said, "Let
the waters under heaven come together and let dry land appear." And so it was.
God called the dry land, earth...and the huge bodies of water, sea.
Left Side
Water is a sign of power and energy.
Right Side
Water is a sign of life and nourishment.
Left Side
Water is a sign of freshness and beauty.
Al!
Water gives life! Baptism gives new life!
Reader Thirteen
The baptismal waters in our parish will soon be used to baptize the catechumens
who are now completing their journey toward baptism. (Proclaim the names of
the parish's catechumens. If you have invited them to this assembly, introduce
them. Before reciting the closing prayers, encourage participants to attend the
parish liturgical services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday (the
Easter Vigil).

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Closing Prayer
This blessing highlights all of the sacred symbols that have been celebrated during this
assembly. Announce that the response will be "We walk with you, Lord."
Leader
May the holy oil heal our spiritual wounds and seal us in our Christian faith.
All
We walk with you, Lord.
Leader
May the spiritual washing of feet remind us to serve one another.
All
We walk with you, Lord.
Leader
May the altar table remind us that we are called to the table of the Lord.
All
We walk with you, Lord.
Leader
May the bread and wine of the Eucharist satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst.
All
We walk with you, Lord.
Leader
May the cross be for us a sign of faith, victory, and new life.

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All
We walk with you, Lord.
Leader
May the Easter Candle be a beacon that leads us to the light of Christ.
All
We walk with you, Lord.
Leader
May the waters of baptism refresh us, cleanse us, and give us new life.
All

We walk with you, Lord.

(Invite participants to spend several minutes in quiet, personal prayer, and then to leave the
assembly area in silence.)

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