2013 Final Edition - St. Helen's Elementary School

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Easter Vigil
By Amanda Silveri
This year’s Easter Vigil was truly beautiful. It was my first time attending this
celebration and I thought it was amazing. It began outside with a blessed fire. The priests
marked the Paschal Candle, put the 5 nails in, and then lit the candle. Then everyone
went inside and the altar servers lit everyone’s candles. When everyone’s candle was lit,
the church looked beautiful. Following the readings, the lights turned on, the choir
started singing, the bells were chiming, and the room was filled with joy.
Easter Vigil includes the Celebration of Baptism. Four Catechumens came up to the
altar for the Litany of the Saints. Father then baptized the water with the Paschal Candle.
“The Paschal Candle is the main focus during the Easter Vigil because it represents Jesus
as the light of the world.” After the Renunciation of Sin, the Anointing with the Oil, and
the Profession of Faith, the Catechumens were baptized. This was followed by the
Personal Professions of Faith. Three candidates were received into full communion with
the Catholic Church. They professed all that the holy Catholic Church believes, teaches,
and proclaims to be revealed by God.
Following the Celebration of Baptism was the Celebration of Confirmation. Six
candidates received the Holy Spirit on that glorious evening. The altar servers then lit
everyone’s candle. Everyone then renewed their baptismal promises and got sprinkled
with baptismal water. “In my opinion the Easter Vigil was breath-taking. I loved the
feeling when I was there and everyone’s candle was lit.”
Congratulations to the new members of our Catholic Community!!!
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