The Great Vigil of Easter

The first Eucharist of Easter is held each year at the Great Vigil.  The vigil begins with the Lighting of the New Fire on the patio and the first flame on the Paschal Candle.  The Exultet, “Rejoice now, for this is the night!” is sung and lessons from the salvation history of the People of God are read.  Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist conclude the service.  The service begins in complete darkness, after the setting of the sun, so this year, as Easter is late in the spring, the service will begin at 8:30 pm.