Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion In 8 Easy Steps
Arrive Early, Stay Late
We are arriving at 5:30 PM and will be sitting in the seventh pew next to Kevin and his sponsor. The Easter Vigil begins at 6:30 PM. After the vigil has ended we will be staying later for the blessing of Mom’s and my marriage.
IMPORTANT PEOPLE
Father Maurice Harrigan Head Pastor for Mary Star and leading the Easter Vigil
Father Charbel Grbavak Assistant Pastor, Mary Star and head of our training
Deacon John Salazar Highly respected lay deacon
Mrs. Jamie Gurrola Lay director of religious education
Miss Michelle Downes Lay coordinator of baptisms, confirmations, and sacraments
Joe and Christine Rich Our great friends, and now godparents, the Rich’s are dedicated servants of Christ, parents to 5, and grandparents to 2.
START OF SERVICE
Exsultet
Calling the Service of Light to start the Vigil which will be conducted largely by candlelight, this hymn dates back to the 400’s, beginning at sunset and acts as the preface to the service declaring that “this is the night that Christ broke the bars to the prison of death.”
LIGHTING OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE
‘Passover’ candle will be lit and will light all other candles in the service.
SEVEN BIBLE READINGS
CALLING FORTH THE ELECTS
Follow the one in front you and your sponsors will go with you.
2. PROCESS IN A LINE AROUND THE SANCTUM OF THE CHURCH
This is easy, just follow the person in front of you!
3. WALK UP THE STEPS THROUGH THE ALTAR RAIL
4. FACE THE CONGREGATION FROM THE FRONT RIGHT CORNER OF THE ALTAR
Again, just follow the one in front of you.
Answer the questions with an enthusiastic ‘I DO’ as they are asked.
5. BAPTISMAL IN THE FONT NEXT TO THE LAY SPEAKER’S LECTERN
6. PROCEED THROUGH THE DOOR IN FRONT OF YOU
Congratulations you are baptized! Once inside the door, you will be given your white baptismal robe and name tag that has your name on the front and patron saint on the back. Proceed to turn the name tag over onto the back. Walk through the curving hallway to the final door which opens at the consecrated lectern and paschal candle.
Sponsors walk along the inside curving church wall of the nave behind the altar until they meet again with the now baptized people by the consecrated lectern (Gold on map).
7. LIGHT YOUR CANDLE, RETURN TO SAME SPOT AS IN STEP 4
Pretty straight forward and as always following the person in front of you… with the help of your sponsor, light your baptismal candle. While standing in this spot, Father Harrigan will confirm us.