The Solemn Vigil of Easter - The Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham 3 April 2021 - Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic ...
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The Solemn Vigil of Easter
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham
3 April 2021
The Cathedral of
Our Lady of Walsingham
Catholic Church and Shrine
The Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter
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✠ SOLEMN VIGIL OF EASTER ✠ 3 APRIL AD 2021 ✠
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First Part: The Blessing of the New Fire and Lucenarium
This greatest of all celebrations begins with the lighting of the New Fire. In darkness, fire is kindled. Then the Bishop addresses the People:
Dearly beloved, on this most sacred night in which our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death unto life, holy Mother Church calls
upon her sons and daughters scattered throughout the world to come together and keep vigil, to watch and to pray. And if we thus
devoutly observe the memorial of the Lord’s Paschal solemnity after this manner, harkening to his holy Word and celebrating his
Easter mysteries, then shall we have the sure and certain hope of sharing his triumph over death and Satan, and living with him for-
ever in God.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray. O God, who, through thy Son, hast bestowed upon thy faithful people the fire of thy brightness: we beseech thee that
thou wouldest sanctify ✠ this new fire to be profitable to our service; and grant unto us, that by this paschal feast we may be so in-
flamed with heavenly desires, that we may with pure hearts and minds attain unto the feast of thy eternal brightness; through the
same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
After the blessing of the fire, the Deacon brings the Paschal Candle to the Bishop, who marks the Candle with a cross, the letters Alpha and Omega, and the date,
saying:
Christ yesterday and today, the Beginning and the End, Alpha and Omega his are all times and all ages; to him be glory and
dominion, through all the ages of eternity. Amen.
The Bishop places five grains of incense into the candle with these words:
By his holy and glorious wounds may Christ our Lord guard us and preserve us. Amen.
The Bishop then lights the candle from the New Fire, saying:
May the light of Christ in glory rising scatter the darkness of heart and mind.
Then he blesses the lighted Candle, saying:
V. The Lord be with you;
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Let us pray.
Almighty God, who art thyself unseen and yet renewest all things, shed forth upon this lighted Candle the abundance of thy bless-
ing, ✠ and make more splendid still the brightness of this night: may our offering shine more radiantly through the presence of thy
hidden glory; and may this light shine in our hearts, to drive out the hidden deeds of darkness and make manifest the power of thy
majesty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Deacon, bearing the Paschal Candle, then leads the procession to the chancel, pausing three times to say:
V. The Light of Christ.
R. Thanks be to God.
Those present receive the flame for their own candles from the fire of the Paschal Candle.
After placing the Paschal Candle in the chancel, the Subdeacon sings the Praeconium Paschale (Easter Proclamation), as the People remain standing:
The Exsultet
At the conclusion of the Exsultet, the People extinguish their candles and sit down.
(Please take special care in putting out your candle by holding it level until it solidifies to keep the wax from dripping.)PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR CELL PHONE AS A LIGHT
II. The Liturgy of the Word of God
Bishop:
Dearly beloved: Now that we have begun our solemn Vigil, let us listen with quiet hearts to the Word of God. Let us hear the rec-
ord of God’s saving deeds in history, how he saved his people in ages past; and let us pray that our God bring each of us to the full-
ness of redemption.
Be seated.
First Lesson The Creation. Genesis 1:1-2:2
V. The Word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
“The Spacious Firmament on High” CreationStand.
Bishop: Let us pray. Deacon: Let us bow the knee . . . Arise.
O God, who in a wondrous manner didst create the race of man, and still more wondrously hast redeemed the same: grant us, we be-
seech thee; so steadfastly to withstand all the crafts and devices of sin; that we may be found worthy to attain everlasting felicity;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be seated.
Second Lesson The Sacrifice of Abraham. Genesis 22:1-18
V. The Word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
During the singing of the Psalms and Canticles, the Choir intones the first line. All join in singing beginning on the second line.
Psalm 16 [Conserva me, Domine] Chant, Stephen Elvey (1805-1860)
Preserve | me, O | God;
for in | thee ∙ have I | put my | trust.
The LORD himself is the portion of mine inheritance, | and of ∙ my | cup;
thou | shalt main-| tain my | lot.
I have set the LORD | alway ∙ be- | fore me;
for he is on my right hand, | therefore ∙ I | shall not | fall.
Wherefore my heart is glad, and my | soul re- | joiceth:
my flesh | also ∙ shall | rest in | hope.
For why? thou shalt not leave my | soul in | hell;
neither shalt thou suffer thy | Holy ∙ One to | see cor-| ruption.
Thou shalt show me the path of life, * in thy presence is the | fulness ∙ of | joy,
and at thy right hand there is | pleasure ∙ for | ev-er | more.
Stand.
Bishop: Let us pray. Deacon: Let us bow the knee . . . Arise.
O God, supreme Father of the faithful, who didst increase the children of thy promise by pouring out the grace of adoption thoughout
the whole world, and through the Paschal Mystery hast made, as thou didst swear, thy servant Abraham the father of nations: grant
us, we beseech thee, that thy peoples may enter worthily into the grace to which thou callest them; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Be seatedThe Third Lesson Israel's Deliverance at the Red Sea. Exodus 14:15-15:1
V. The Word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
Canticle: Exodus 15:1b–6, 11–13, 17–18 Cantemus Domino Chant, James Turle (1802-1882)
I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath | tri-umphed | gloriously;
the horse and his | rider · hath he | thrown in-to the | sea.
The Lord is my | strength and | song;
and he is be| come | my sal-|vation:
He is my God and I will prepare him an | ha-bi-|tation;
my father’s | God and | I will · ex-|alt him.
The Lord is a | man of | war;
the | Lord | is his | Name.
Pharoah’s chariots and his host hath he cast in-|to the | sea;
his chosen captains also are | drown’d · in the | Red | Sea.
The | depths have | cover’d them;
they sank into the | bot-tom | as a | stone.
Thy right hand, O Lord, is become | glorious · in | power:
thy right hand, O Lord, hath | dashed in | pieces · the | enemy.
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, a-|mong the | gods?
who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in | prai-ses, | do-ing | wonders?
Thou stretchedst out | thy right | hand;
the | earth | swal-lowed | them.
Thou in thy mercy led forth the people which | thou hast · ·re-|deemed;
thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy | ho-ly | ha-bit-|ation.
Thou shalt bring them | in, and | plant them
in the | mountain· of | thine · in-|heritance,
In the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for | thee to | dwell in;
in the sanctuary, O | Lord, · which thy | hands have · es-|tablished.
Second part of chant:
The | Lord shall | reign
for | ev-er | and for | ever.
Stand.
Bishop: Let us pray. Deacon: Let us bow the knee . . . Arise.
O God, who hast ordained that thy mighty works of old should enlighten even this our present generation: who didst by the mighty
defence of thy right hand deliver one people from persecution in the land of Egypt to be a figure of the salvation of all nations by the
washing of regeneration: grant, we pray thee, that the fullness of all mankind, being delivered from its present bondage, may be made
sons of Abraham and worthy members of thy true Israel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be seated.
Fourth Lesson The New Jerusalem. Isaiah 54:5-14
V. The Word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.Psalm: Psalm 30 Exaltabo te, Domine Gerald Hocken Knight (1908-1979)
I will magnify thee, O LORD; for thou hast | set • me | up,
and not made my | foes • to | tri•umph | over me.
O LORD my God, I | cried • unto | thee;
and | thou • hast | heal•èd | me.
Thou, LORD, hast brought my | soul • out of | hell:
thou hast kept my life, that I should not go | down • in|to • the | pit.
Sing praises unto the LORD, O ye | saints • of | his;
and give thanks unto him, for a re|memb•rance | of • his | holiness.
For his wrath endureth but the twinkling of an eye,* and in his | pleasure • is | life;
heaviness may endure for a night, but joy | com•eth | in • the | morning.
And in my prosperity I said, * I shall never | be • re|moved:
thou, LORD, of thy goodness, hast | made • my | hill • so | strong.
Thou didst turn thy face from me, and | I • was | troubled.
Then cried I unto thee, O LORD; and gat me | to • my | LORD • right | humbly.
What profit is there in my blood, when I go | down • in-|to • the | pit?
Shall the dust give thanks unto thee? or | shall it • de-|clare • thy | truth?
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me; LORD, be | thou • my | helper.
Thou hast turned my heaviness into joy; * thou hast put off my sackcloth, and | gird•ed |
me • with | gladness:
Therefore shall every good man sing of thy | praise with•out | ceasing.
O my God, I will give | thanks • unto | thee • for | ever.
Stand.
Bishop: Let us pray. Deacon: Let us bow the knee . . . Arise.
O God, who didst lead thine ancient people by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night: grant, we pray thee; that we who
serve thee now on earth, may come to the joy of that heavenly Jerusalem, where every tear shall be wiped away, and where thy Saints
for ever sing thy praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be seated.
Fifth Lesson Salvation Freely Offered. Isaiah 55:1-11
V. The Word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
Canticle Ecce, Deus Isaiah 12:2–6
Behold, God is | my sal-|vation;
I will | trust and | not · be a-|fraid:
For the Lord God is my | strength and · my | song;
he also is be-|come− | my sal-|vation.
Therefore with joy shall | ye draw | water
out of the | wells− | of sal-|vation.
And in that day | shall ye | say,
Praise the | Lord, · call up-|on his | Name;Declare his doings a-|mong the | people;
make | mention · that his | Name is · ex-|alted.
Sing unto the Lord, for he hath done | excel· lent | things,
this is | known in | all the | earth.
Second part of chant:
Cry out and shout, thou in-|habitant · of | Zion;
for great is the Holy One of | Isra-el | in the | midst of thee.
Stand.
Bishop: Let us pray. Deacon: Let us bow the knee . . . Arise.
O God, who didst create all things by the power of thy Word, and who renewest the earth by the outpouring of thy Spirit; pour
forth, we pray thee, the water of life to those who thirst for thee, that they may bring forth abundant fruit in thy glorious kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be seated.
Sixth Lesson The Fountain of Wisdom. Baruch 3:9-15, 32—4:4
V. The Word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 19 [Lex Domini immaculata] Chant, Sir Joseph Barnby (1836-1896)
The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, con- | verting · the | soul:
the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth | wis-dom | unto · the | simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right and re- | joice the | heart:
the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth | light un- | to the | eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, and en- | dureth · for | ever:
the judgments of the Lord are true, and | right-eous | al-to- | gether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than | much fine | gold;
sweeter also than honey, | and the |hon-ey|comb.
Stand.
Bishop: Let us pray. Deacon: Let us bow the knee . . . Arise.
O God, who by the pages of both testaments hast instructed and prepared us to celebrate the Paschal Mystery: grant, we beseech thee,
that we may comprehend thy mercy, so that the gifts which we receive from thee this night, may confirm our hope of the gifts to
come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be seated.
Seventh Lesson A New Heart and a New Spirit. Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28
V. The Word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.Psalm 42:2 Sicut cervus Giovanni Palestrina (1525–1594)
Sicut cervus desiderat ad fontes aquarum, ita desiderat anima mea ad te, Deus.
As the hart desireth the water-brooks: so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
Stand.
Bishop: Let us pray. Deacon: Let us bow the knee . . . Arise.
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: look favourably on thy whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the
effectual working of thy Providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation: let the whole world see and know that things
which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being
brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
After the last lesson from the Old Testament, with its Canticle and prayer, the Bishops intones the hymn Gloria in excelsis Deo (Glory be to God on high), which is
taken up by all, while bells are rung. During the Gloria, the candles on the altar are lit.
Gloria in excelsis Deo (Willan) Hymn 713
GLORY be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee,
we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O
Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the
world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right
hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the
Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory ✠ of God the Father. Amen.
Collect
V. Peace be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. Let us pray.
O God, who dost illumine this most holy night with the glory of the Resurrection of the Lord: stir up, we pray thee, in thy Church, the
spirit of adoption which thou hast given; that we, being regenerate both in body and soul, may render unto thee a pure service;
through the same Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God,
world without end. Amen.
Epistle: Romans 6:3-11
Brethren, all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were buried therefore with him by
baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know
that our former man was crucified with him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin.
For he who has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that
Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin,
once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
V. The Word of the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
Solemn Intonation of the Alleluia
The Alleluia will be sung thrice at successively higher pitches, with the Choir repeating it each time.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Psalm 118 [Confitemini Domino, quoniam bonus]
V. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious; because his mercy endureth for ever.
V. Let Israel now confess that he is gracious, and that his mercy endureth forever.
V. The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence; the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.
V. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
V. The same stone which the builders refused, is become the head-stone in the corner.
V. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.The Holy Gospel: St. Mark 16:1-7
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
V. A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Mark.
R. Glory be to thee, O Lord.
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go
and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to
one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled
back; it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they
were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here;
see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as
he told you.”
V. The Gospel of the Lord.
R. Praise be to thee, O Christ.
Homily
All stand.
Tract Sicut cervus Psalm 42:1-3
Like as the hart desireth the water-brooks: so longeth my soul after thee, O God.
My soul is athirst for God, yea, even for the living God: when shall I come to appear before the presence of God?
My tears have been my meat day and night, while all day long they say unto me: Where is now thy God?
The Bishop then says to all present:
Dear Brethren, as the candidate for Holy Baptism approaches the waters of regeneration, to become a member of Christ, the child of
God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven, let us assist him with our prayers and supplications to God the Father who made
him and all the world, to God the Son who redeemed him and all mankind, and to God the Holy Spirit who sanctifieth him and all
the people of God; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, his heart may surely there be fixed where true joys
are to be found, in the eternal life with the holy and indivisible Trinity.
The Litany of the Saints
All remain standing while the Litany is chanted by cantors.
Kyrie eleison.
Christe eleison.
Kyrie eleison.
O Christ, hear us. O Christ, graciously hear us.
O God, the Father of heaven, have mercy upon us.
O God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy upon us.
O God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy upon us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy upon us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Saint Michael, pray for us.
Saint Gabriel, pray for us.
Saint Raphael, pray for us.
All ye holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us.
All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, pray for us.
Saint Peter, pray for us.
Saint Paul, pray for us.
Saint Andrew, pray for us.
Saint James, pray for us.
Saint John, pray for us.
All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray for us.
All ye holy Disciples of the Lord, pray for us.
Saint Stephen, pray for us.
Saint Lawrence, pray for us.
Saint Vincent, pray for us.All ye holy Martyrs, pray for us.
Saint Sylvester, pray for us.
Saint Gregory, pray for us.
Saint Augustine, pray for us.
All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, pray for us.
All ye holy Doctors, pray for us.
Saint Anthony, pray for us.
Saint Benedict, pray for us.
Saint Bernard, pray for us.
Saint Dominic, pray for us.
Saint Francis, pray for us.
All ye holy Priests and Levites, pray for us.
All ye holy Monks and Hermits, pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalen, pray for us.
Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicitas, pray for us.
Saint Agnes, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Saint Catherine, pray for us.
Saint Theresa, pray for us.
All ye holy Virgins and Widows, pray for us.
All ye holy Saints of God, pray for us.
Lord, be merciful: Lord, save thy people.
From all evil: Lord, save thy people.
From every sin: Lord, save thy people.
From everlasting death: Lord, save thy people.
By thy coming as man: Lord, save thy people.
By thy death and rising to life: Lord, save thy people.
By thy gift of the Holy Spirit: Lord, save thy people.
Be merciful to us sinners: Lord, save thy people.
Give new life to this chosen one by the grace of Baptism: Lord, hear our prayer.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: spare us, O Lord.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: graciously hear us, O Lord.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us.
O Christ, hear us. O Christ, graciously hear us.
The Bishop concludes the Litany with the following prayer:
Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon the devout prayers of thy servant now seeking regeneration and desiring the
fountain of thy waters, even as the hart desireth the water-brooks: and of thy goodness grant that they who thirst after thy faith; may
in this mystery of thy holy Baptism obtain sanctification both of body and soul; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing of Water
The People remain standing. Bishop blesses the water, saying:
Almighty and everlasting God, assist, we pray thee, this mystery and Sacrament of thine infinite loving-kindness: and, for the regen-
eration of those persons now seeking to be born again in the waters of Baptism, send forth upon them the spirit of adoption; that this
office and ministry of us thy unworthy servants may effectually be fulfilled in them by thy mighty power; through Jesus Christ thy
Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Bishop: The Lord be with you.
People: And with thy spirit.
Bishop: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up unto the Lord.
Bishop: Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.
People: It is meet and right so to do.
The Bishop continues:
It is very meet, right and our bounden duty, that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto thee: O Lord, holy Father,
almighty, everlasting God: who by thy invisible power dost wondrously give effect to the work of thy Sacraments. And though we be
unworthy to perform mysteries so great, yet thou dost not leave us destitute of the gifts of thy grace, but mercifully inclinest thine
ears even unto these our supplications.O God, whose Spirit in the first beginnings of the world moved over the waters: that even the nature of water might conceive the virtue of sanctification; O God, who didst wash away in the waters the iniquities of a sinful world, and didst, even in the outpouring of the flood, show forth in a figure our regeneration: that by the mystery of this same element there should be an end to sin and like- wise a beginning of virtue; Look, O Lord, upon the face of thy Church, and multiply in her the power of thy regeneration, for thou dost by the streams of thine abundant grace make glad thy city: and openest the fount of Baptism throughout the whole world for the renewing of the nations: that by the command of thy majesty she may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace of thine Only Begotten Son. May he, by the secret mingling of his divine power, make fruitful the water prepared for the regeneration of mankind: that, having received sanctification, and being born again a new creature, there may come forth an offspring of heaven from the spotless womb of this divine fountain: that all, whether male or female, young or old, may alike be brought forth into one childhood by grace, their mother. Far hence, O Lord, at thy command let every unclean spirit depart. Far hence be all the wickedness of the craft of the devil: let no power of the enemy here have place or portion: let it not ensnare and compass us around: let it not attack us in secret: let it not taint us with corruption. Touching the water with his hand, the Bishop continues: May this holy and undefiled creature be free from every assault of the enemy, and purified by the departure of all iniquity. May it be a living fountain, water that doth regenerate, a purifying stream: that all who shall be washed in this laver of salvation may, by the operation of the Holy Spirit within them, obtain the grace of perfect purification. The Bishop makes three crosses over the water, saying: Wherefore I bless thee, O creature of water, by the living ✠ God, by the true ✠ God, by the holy ✠ God: by God who in the begin- ning through his Word divided thee from dry land: whose Spirit moved upon thee; Who made thee to flow from the fountain of paradise, and commanded thee to water the whole earth with thy four rivers. Who in the desert bestowed upon thee sweetness when thou wast bitter, that men might drink, and brought thee forth from the rock for the thirsting people. I bless thee also by Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord: who in Cana of Galilee by a wondrous miracle did change thee through his power into wine. Who walked upon thee with his feet: and was baptized by thee by John in the Jordan. Who brought thee forth together with blood from his side: and commanded his disciples that believing they should be baptized in thee, saying: Go ye, teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Here the Bishop lowers the Paschal Candle into the water a little way and says: May the power of the Holy Spirit descend upon the fulness of this font. Then withdrawing the Candle from the water, he again dips it more deeply, and repeats in a somewhat higher voice: May the power of the Holy Spirit descend upon the fulness of this font. Then again he withdraws the Candle from the water, and the third time dips it to the bottom, repeating in a still higher voice: May the power of the Holy Spirit descend upon the fulness of this font. With the Paschal Candle still in the water, he says: Almighty God, mercifully assist our prayers, who keep these thy commandments: graciously breathe thou upon us. Bless with thy word and power this element of water: that as by nature it hath power to cleanse and wash the body, so also it may be effectual for the purifying of the soul. He breathes three times upon the water, and proceeds: And make the whole substance of this water to be fruitful unto regeneration. Removing the Paschal Candle from the water, the Bishop continues: Here may the stains of every sin be blotted out: here may nature, created in thine image, be restored to the honour of its first estate, and cleansed from all the defilement of its old condition: that every man who cometh to this Sacrament of regeneration may be born again unto the new childhood of innocence. Through Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord: who shall come to judge the quick and the dead, and the world by fire. Amen. The Deacon returns the Paschal candle to its stand.
The Administration of Holy Baptism
After the blessing of baptismal water the person to be baptised with his Sponsor takes his place before the Bishop who says:
What do you desire of God’s holy Church?
Answer: Baptism.
Then the Bishop addresses the people:
Dearly beloved, seeing that God willeth all men to be saved from the sinful nature which they inherit, as well as from the actual sins
which they commit, and that our Saviour Christ saith, None can enter into the kingdom of God, except he be regenerate and born
anew of Water and of the Holy Spirit; I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounte-
ous mercy he will grant to this man that which by nature he cannot have; that he may be baptised with Water and the Holy Spirit,
and received into Christ's holy Church, and be made a living member of the same.
Then shall the Bishop say:
Let us pray.
Almighty and immortal God, the aid of all who need, the helper of all who flee to thee for succour, the life of those who believe, and
the resurrection of the dead; we call upon thee for this thy servant, that he, coming to thy holy Baptism, may receive remission of his
sins by spiritual regeneration, and being received into thy holy Church, may live steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted
in charity. Receive him, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall have; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. So give now unto us who ask; let us who seek, find; open the gate unto us who knock;
that this thy servant may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which
thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Promises
The Bishop shall address the person to be baptised as follows:
Well-beloved, you have come hither desiring to receive holy Baptism. We have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe
to receive you, to release you from your sins, to sanctify you with the Holy Spirit, to give you the kingdom of heaven, and everlast-
ing life.
Renunciation of Sin
Bishop: Do you renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same,
and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them?
Answer: I renounce them all; and, by God’s help, will endeavour not to follow, nor be led by them.
Profession of Faith
Then the Bishop shall address the person to be baptised as follows:
Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth?
Answer: I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered un-
der Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried: he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended
into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead?
Answer: I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of
the body, and the life everlasting?
Answer: I do.The Baptism
The Bishop shall ask the Sponsor the name, saying:
Name this man.
Then the Bishop baptises the person saying:
N., I baptise thee in the Name of the Father,
He immerses the person or pours water upon the person’s head.
and of the Son,
He immerses the person or pours water upon the person’s head a second time.
and of the Holy Spirit.
He immerses the person or pours water upon the person’s head a third time.
The Bishop continues, saying:
We give this white vesture for a token of the innocency bestowed upon thee, and for a sign whereby thou art admonished to give thy-
self to pureness of living, that
after this transitory life thou mayest be partaker of the life everlasting. Amen.
Then the Bishop shall give a lighted candle (lit from the Paschal Candle) to the newly baptised, saying:
Receive the Light of Christ, that when the bridegroom cometh thou mayest go forth with all the Saints to meet him; and see that thou
keep the grace of thy Baptism. Amen.
Presentation of those to be Received
The Pastor shall present the person to be received, saying:
Most Reverend Father in God, I present unto you this person to receive the laying on of hands and anointing in the Holy Spirit and
thus to be admitted to the communion of the Catholic Church.
The Bishop says:
Dearly beloved in the Lord, N. , by Holy Baptism God our Father gave you new birth to eternal life, and now you seek to be received
into the full communion of the Catholic Church. You have made your decision after careful thought under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit. I now invite you in the presence of God and of this Congregation to profess the Catholic faith, to receive the seal of the Holy
Spirit, and to be one with us at the Eucharistic Table of our Lord Jesus Christ, the very sign and instrument of the unity of his holy
Church.
The Renewal of Baptismal Promises
All stand. The candle bearers light the People’s candles.
The Bishop begins as follows:
Dearly beloved brethren, on this most holy night, our holy Mother the Church, calling to mind the death and burial of our Lord
Jesus Christ, rendereth unto him love for love, and keepeth vigil; and awaiting his glorious Resurrection, rejoiceth with great glad-
ness. But since, as the Apostle teacheth us, we have been buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, so like as Christ was raised
up from the dead, we too should walk in newness of life: knowing this, that our old nature is crucified with him, that henceforth we
should not serve sin. Let us reckon ourselves therefore to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Wherefore, dearly beloved brethren, now that our Lenten exercises are over, let us renew the promises made in Holy Bap-
tism, whereby we once renounced Satan and all his works, and likewise the world which is the enemy of God, and promised to
serve God faithfully in his holy Catholic Church. Therefore I ask you: Do you renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp
and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that you will not follow nor be
led by them?
People: I do.Bishop: Let us recite the articles of our belief:
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried:
he descended into hell;
the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost;
the holy Catholic Church;
the Communion of Saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
✠ and the life everlasting. Amen.
Then the Bishop addresses the entire congregation as follows:
Bishop: Will you endeavour to keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of your life?
People: I will, God being my helper.
The Bishop shall address the person to be received, as follows:
Do you profess this faith?
The person to be received, responds:
Answer: I believe and profess all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches, and proclaims to be revealed by God.
Bishop: N. the Lord receives you into the Catholic Church.
The Confirmation
Then the Bishop says to those who will be confirmed:
Dearly beloved, by Holy Baptism, God our Father gave this his adopted son and daughter new birth to eternal life. Let us therefore
pray him to pour out upon them the Holy Spirit, to strengthen them in their faith, and to anoint them that they may be more like
Christ the Son of God: that they may continue his forever, and daily increase in the Holy Spirit, more and more, until they come unto
God’s everlasting kingdom.
All pray in silence for a short time. Then the Bishop says:
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hast brought these thy servants to new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, freeing
them from sin: send upon them, O Lord, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete; give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit
of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and piety; fill them with the spirit of the fear of the Lord. Through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Then shall the persons to be confirmed kneel before the Bishop. The Bishop signs each of them upon the forehead with the holy Chrism, saying:
N., be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Answer: Amen.
Then the Bishop shall say:
Peace be with thee.
Answer: And with thy spirit.
The Bishop then says:
Defend, O Lord, these thy servants with thy heavenly grace, that they may continue thine for ever; and daily increase in thy Holy
Spirit, more and more, until they come unto thy everlasting kingdom. Amen.
The Bishop shall conclude with the following:
And may Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath regenerated us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hath given
unto us forgiveness of all our sins, himself guard us by his grace unto everlasting life, in the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Taking some of the blessed water, the Bishop goes throughout the church sprinkling the People. During this procession, the baptismal canticle Vidi aquam is sung.
Vidi Aquam: The Bishop sprinkles the People with the Holy Water, while all sing:
Antiphon. I beheld water flowing from the right side of the temple: | al-le-|luia.
It brought God's | life and | his sal-|vation,
and the people sang in | joy-ful | praise:
alle-|lu-ia, |al-le-|luia.
O give thanks unto the LORD, for | he is | gracious;
because his | mercy · en-|dureth · for | ever.
Let Israel now confess that | he is | gracious,
and that his | mercy · en-|dureth · for | ever.
Glory be to the Father, and ǀ to the ǀ Son,
and ǀ to the ǀ Ho-ly ǀ Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now and ǀ ev-er ǀ shall be,
world without ǀ end. A- ǀ — ǀ men.
Antiphon. I beheld water flowing from the right side of the temple: | al-le-|luia.
It brought God's | life and | his sal-|vation,
and the people sang in | joy-ful | praise:
alle-|lu-ia, |al-le-|luia.
After the sprinkling, the Bishop and Ministers return to their appointed places and the candles of the Clergy and People are extinguished.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
Offertory Antiphon Dextera Domini Psalm 118:16, 17
The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence; the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass:
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Alleluia.
Offertory Anthem: “Sing Ye to the Lord” Edward Bairstow (1874-1946)
Sing ye to the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously.
Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath He cast into the sea.
Mighty Victim from the sky, hell's fierce powers beneath Thee lie;
Thou hast conquered in the fight, Thou hast brought us life and light.
Now no more can death appall, now no more the grave enthrall;
Thou hast opened Paradise, and in Thee Thy Saints shall rise.
Mighty Victim from the sky, hell's fierce powers beneath Thee lie;
Thou hast conquered in the fight, Thou hast brought us life and light;
Thou hast opened Paradise, and in Thee Thy Saints shall rise. Alleluia! Amen.
Orate Fratres (Pray Brethren…) Missal, page 9
Prayer over the Offerings
We beseech thee, O Lord, mercifully to accept the prayers and oblations of thy people: that this beginning of thy Paschal Mysteries
may by the operation of thy grace be unto us a wholesome medicine unto everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sursum Corda (Lift up your hearts…) Hymn 734
Sanctus & Benedictus (HOLY, HOLY, HOLY…) Missa IX, Cum iubiloMemorial Acclamation Missal, page 11
Pater Noster (Our Father…) Hymn 722
The Peace Missal, page 13
Agnus Dei (O Lamb of God…) Missa IX, Cum iuibilo
Prayer of Humble Access (We do not presume…) Missal, page 14
Ecce Agnus Dei (Behold the Lamb of God…) Missal, page 14
Communion of the Faithful Communion Guidelines, Missal, page 40
An Act of Spiritual Communion
for those who cannot now receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
My Jesus, I believe that thou art truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love thee above all things, and I desire to receive thee
into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace thee as if thou wert already there and unite myself wholly to thee. Never permit me to be separated from thee. Amen.
Communion Antiphon Pascha nostrum I Corinthians 5:6,7
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Alleluia: therefore let us keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Communion Anthem Christus resurgens Orlando di Lasso (1532-1594)
Christus resurgens ex mortuis, jam non moritur, mors illi ultra non dominabitur.
Quod enim mortuus est peccato, mortuus est semel, quod autem vivit, vivit Deo, Alleluia.
Mortuus est enim propter delicta nostra: et resurrexit propter justificationem nostram, Quod autem vivit, vivit Deo, Alleluia.
Christ, rising again from the dead, dieth now no more. Death shall no more have dominion over him.
For in that he died to sin, he died once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Alleluia.
He died for our sins and rose again for our justification, who liveth unto God. Alleluia.Communion Hymn: “The Strife Is O’er” Victory
Prayer of Thanksgiving Missal, page 15
Postcommunion Prayer
We beseech thee, O Lord, pour into our hearts the love of thy Holy Spirit: that as thou hast now fulfilled us with this Paschal Sacra-
ment; so thou wouldest make us to continue in all godly concord; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pontifical Blessing
In a Pontifical Mass, the Bishop says before imparting the Blessing:
The Lord be with you.
People: And with thy spirit.
Bishop: Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
People: Now and forever.
Bishop: Our help is in the Name of the Lord.
People: Who hath made heaven and earth.
The Bishop says:
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of
God Almighty, ✠ the Father, ✠ the Son, and ✠ the Holy Spirit, be amongst you, and re-
main with you always.
People: Amen.Dismissal
Recessional Hymn: “At the Lamb’s High Feast” Salzburg
Postlude: Exsultate Justi Ludovico da Viadana (c. 1560-1627)
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just; praise befits the upright.
Give praise to the Lord on the harp;
sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.
Sing to him a new canticle, sing well unto him with a loud noise.
Exsultate, iusti, in Domino; rectos decet collaudatio.
Confitemini Domino in cithara;
in psalterio decem chordarum psallite illi.
Cantate ei canticum novum; bene psallite ei in vociferatione.You can also read
