The
The Exsultet
Vigil of Lessons
The story of Creation
The Flood
Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac
Israel’s deliverance at the Red Sea
Salvation offered freely to all
The gifts of Wisdom
A new heart and a new spirit
The valley of dry bones
The gathering of God’s people
Holy Baptism
The Holy Eucharist
The Easter Acclamation
Liturgy of the Word
The Holy Communion
The Great Thanksgiving
The Breaking of the Bread
Blessing and Dismissal
In the darkness, a new fire is struck by the Presider who then says a prayer of blessing over the newly kindled flame.
On the Paschal Candle, the Presider traces the Cross, the Greek letters Α and Ω, and 2023. As he does this, he says,
Christ yesterday and today. The beginning and the end: alpha and omega.
All time belongs to him and all the ages.
To him be glory and power through every age forever. Amen.
Five wax nails embedded with incense are inserted into the Candle, marking the Cross. Then the Presider lights the Paschal Candle from the new fire.
Bearing the Candle, the Deacon leads the People in procession into the church, pausing three times to sing:
Each person’s candle is lit from the same fire of the Paschal Candle as it is placed in its stand.
The Cantor then begins singing the Easter proclamation: Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels, and let your trumpets shout Salvation for the victory of our mighty King…
The story of Creation
Psalm 136:1–3, 4–6, 7–9, 23–26
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, * for his mercy endures for ever.
Give thanks to the God of gods, * for his mercy endures for ever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords, * for his mercy endures for ever.
Who only does great wonders, * for his mercy endures for ever;
Who by wisdom made the heavens, * for his mercy endures for ever;
Who spread out the earth upon the waters, * for his mercy endures for ever;
Who created great lights, * for his mercy endures for ever;
The sun to rule the day, * for his mercy endures for ever;
The moon and the stars to govern the night, * for his mercy endures for ever.
Who remembered us in our low estate, * for his mercy endures for ever; And delivered us from our enemies, * for his mercy endures for ever; Who gives food to all creatures, * for his mercy endures for ever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, * for his mercy endures for ever.
Hymn God is our refuge and strength
Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac
Hymn O God, protect me
I will sing to the Lord, for he is lofty and uplifted; * the horse and its rider has he hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my refuge; * the Lord has become my Savior.
This is my God and I will praise him, * the God of my people and I will exalt him. The Lord is a mighty warrior; * Yahweh is his Name.
The chariots of Pharaoh and his army has he hurled into the sea; * the finest of those who bear armor have been drowned in the Red Sea. The fathomless deep has overwhelmed them; * they sank into the depths like a stone.
Your right hand, O Lord, is glorious in might; * your right hand, O Lord, has overthrown the enemy. Who can be compared with you, O Lord, among the gods? * who is like you, glorious in holiness, awesome in renown, and worker of wonders? You stretched forth your right hand; * the earth swallowed them up.
With your constant love you led the people you redeemed; * with your might you brought them in safety to your holy dwelling. You will bring them in and plant them * on the mount of your possession, The resting-place you have made for yourself, O Lord, * the sanctuary, O Lord, that your hand has established. The Lord shall reign * for ever and for ever.
Surely, it is God who saves me; *
I will trust in him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense, * and he will be my Savior. Therefore you shall draw water with rejoicing * from the springs of salvation.
Antiphon
And on that day you shall say, * Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; Make his deeds known among the peoples; * see that they remember that his Name is exalted.
Antiphon
Sing the praises of the Lord, for he has done great things, * and this is known in all the world.
Cry aloud, inhabitants of Zion, ring out your joy, * for the great one in the midst of you is the Holy One of Israel.
Antiphon
Psalm 19:7-8, 9-10, 11, 14
The law of the LORD is perfect and revives the soul; * the testimony of the LORD is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent. The statutes of the LORD are just and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the LORD is clear and gives light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean and endures for ever; * the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, * sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.
By them also is your servant enlightened, * and in keeping them there is great reward.
Who can tell how often he offends? * cleanse me from my secret faults. Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; * then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, *
O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.
Psalm 143:1–2, 4–5, 6–7, 8, 10
LORD, hear my prayer, and in your faithfulness heed my supplications; * answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgment with your servant, * for in your sight shall no one living be justified.
For my enemy has sought my life; he has crushed me to the ground; * he has made me live in dark places, like those who are long dead. My spirit faints within me; * my heart within me is desolate.
I remember the time past; I muse upon all your deeds; * I consider the works of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; * my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.
O LORD, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; * do not hide your face from me or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit. Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning, for I put my trust in you; * show me the road that I must walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, * for I flee to you for refuge.
Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; * let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Revive me, O Lord, for you Name’s sake; * for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble. Of your goodness, destroy my enemies and bring all my foes to naught, * for truly I am your servant. Refrain Collect
Presider In the Communion of Saints, let us pray for all who are to receive the Sacrament of New Birth this day, and for ourselves as we renew our own commitment to Christ.
Holy Mary, Mother of Gód, pray for us.
Holy Michael, Gabriel and Ráphael, pray for us.
All you holy Angels of Gód, pray for us.
Holy John the Báptist, pray for us.
Holy Jóseph, pray for us.
Holy Peter and Paul, and all you holy Apóstles, pray for us.
Holy John the Beloved, and all you holy Evángelists pray for us.
Holy Mary Mágdalene, pray for us.
Holy Stephen and James of Jerúsalem, pray for us.
Holy Ignatius and Pólycarp, pray for us.
Holy Agnes and Cecília, pray for us.
Holy Blandina and your Compánions, pray for us.
Holy Perpetua and Felícity, pray for us.
Holy Laurence and Víncent, pray for us.
Holy Constance, Thecla, Ruth, and Frances of Mémphis pray for us.
Holy Bernard Mizéki, pray for us.
Holy Antony and Pachómius, pray for us.
Holy Benedict and Scholástica, pray for us.
Holy Basil and Macrína, pray for us.
Holy Francis and Cláre, pray for us.
Holy Hildegard and Dame Júlian, pray for us.
Holy Teresa and John of the Cróss, pray for us.
Holy Ignatius Loyóla, pray for us.
Holy Richard Meux Bénson, pray for us.
All holy Men and Women of Gód, pray for us.
Lord be merciful, Lord, deliver us.
From every evil, Lord, deliver us.
From every deadly sin, Lord, deliver us.
From everlasting death, Lord, deliver us.
By your incarnation, Lord, deliver us.
By your death and resurrection, Lord, deliver us.
By your outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Lord, deliver us.
Cantor Hear our prayers for those persons who are to receive the sacrament of new birth:
Deliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and death.
Lord, hear our prayer. Open their hearts to your grace and truth.
Fill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
Keep them in the faith and communion of your Holy Church.
Teach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
Send them into the world in witness to your love.
Bring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider The Candidate for Holy Baptism will now be presented.
Sponsors I present Eva Katherine Heaps to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.
To the Candidate:
Presider Do you desire to be baptized?
Candidate I do.
Presider Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
Candidate I renounce them.
Presider Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
Candidate I renounce them.
Presider Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?
Candidate I renounce them.
Presider Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?
Candidate I do.
Presider Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
Candidate I do.
Presider Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?
Candidate I do.
To the congregation:
Presider Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support Eva Katherine in her life in Christ?
People We will.
Presider The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Presider Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Presider Let us join with Eva and all those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant. Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
People I do.
Presider Do you believe in God the Father?
People I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Presider Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Presider Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
People I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
Presider Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God’s help.
Presider Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God’s help.
Presider Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God’s help.
Presider Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God’s help.
Presider Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God’s help.
Presider Will you cherish the wondrous works of God, and protect the beauty and integrity of all creation?
People I will, with God’s help.
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Presider Eva Katherine, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Eva Katherine, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen. Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon this your servant the forgiveness of sin, and have raised her to the new life of grace. Sustain her, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give her an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen.
Sponsor Eva Katherine, receive the light of Christ to show that you have passed from darkness into light. Amen.
Sponsor Eva Katherine, receive the robe of righteousness to show that you have put on Christ. Amen.
The People are sprinkled with blessed water as a memorial of Holy Baptism.
Anthem Vidi aquam (I saw water)
I beheld a stream of water flowing from the Temple’s side, from the right side forth proceeding in a pure life-giving tide: Alleluia, alleuia, risen is the Lamb who died. And all they to whom that water with its cleansing power came knew the blessing of salvation and forever will proclaim: Alleluia, alleluia, earth and heaven praise God’s name.
Glory be to God Almighty, with the co-eternal Son and the life-bestowing Spirit ever Three and ever One. Alleluia, alleluia! while unending ages run.
Words: STANZAS, Carl P. Daw, Jr. © 2005 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream IL 60188. All rights reserved. GLORIA PATRI, anon.
Music: Pange Lingua, mode 3, Sarum Melody
Presider Let us welcome the newly baptized. People We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in his eternal priesthood.
Presider Alleluia! Christ is risen!
People The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia! Song
The Epistle Romans 6:3–11
The Alleluia is sung three times, first by the Schola and followed by the People.
When Israel came out of Egypt, alleluia, the house of Jacob from a people of strange speech, alleluia.
Judah became God’s sanctuary, alleluia, and Israel his dominion, alleluia.
The sea beheld it and fled, alleluia, Jordan turned and went back, alleluia.
The mountains skipped like rams, alleluia, and the little hills like young sheep, alleluia.
What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? alleluia, O Jordan, that you turned back? alleluia.
You mountains, that you skipped like rams? alleluia, you little hills like young sheep? alleluia.
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, alleluia, at the presence of the God of Jacob, alleluia.
Who turned the hard rock into a pool of water, alleluia, and flint-stone into a flowing spring, alleluia.
The Holy Gospel Luke 24:1–12
Before the Gospel:
After the Gospel:
Setting: Ambrosian chant; adapt. Mason Martens (b. 1933); adapt. SSJE
Fraction Anthem The disciples knew the Lord Jesus
Hymnal S 167
Setting: Mode 6 melody; adapt. Mason Martens (b. 1933)
Invitation to Communion
Presider Behold what you are. People May we become what we receive.
Post-Communion Hymn Come, ye faithful, raise the strain Hymnal 199
Presider Giver of all, People we are nourished with your Easter sacraments. Fill us with the Spirit of love, and unite us in faith, that we may be witnesses to the resurrection and show your glory to all the world, in the name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord.
Amen.
Easter Blessing and Dismissal
Br. James Koester, Presider & Preacher
Br. Luke Ditewig, Deacon
Br. Keith Nelson, Subdeacon
Br. Jonathan Maury, Litanist
Br. Michael Hardgrove, Thurifer
Br. Lucas Hall, Crucifer
Mr. Robert Humphreville, Monastery Organist
We want our Monastery to be a sanctuary for our guests and for the Brothers. Please silence your electronic devices. We also ask you not to photograph, video, or record services in the Chapel, or to photograph other guests or Brothers without their express permission.
