Easter Vigil

Bishop Serratelli presides at Easter Vigil at St. John’s; blesses new fire, Paschal candle; baptizes, confirms catechumens

PATERSON  Bishop Serratelli presided at the Easter Vigil Mass at the Bishop Rodimer Center adjacent to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist here on Holy Saturday, April 4. This is the night that “shall be as bright as day” as proclaimed by the Exsultet, an ancient church hymn as the Church joyfully anticipates Christ’s Resurrection. The Holy Saturday Liturgy began with the Service of Light, which includes the blessing of the new fire and the Paschal candle which symbolizes Jesus, the Light of the World. After the Liturgy of the Word, the catechumens were presented to the parish community, who pray for them with the Litany of the Saints. Next, the bishop blessed the water, placing the Paschal candle into the baptismal water. Those seeking Baptism then renounced sin and professed their faith after which they are baptized by the bishop. After the Baptism they are presented with a candle lighted from the Paschal Candle. Then they were confirmed by the bishop who anointed them with Sacred Chrism. At Communion, the newly baptized received the Eucharist for the first time.