THE PASCHAL CANDLE

1
THE PASCHAL CANDLE
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THE PASCHAL CANDLE
is used at the Easter Vigil service on Easter
Saturday night!
Imagine the drama as it unfolds!
The congregation has not gathered in church since
Good Friday.
That was when the people recalled how Jesus
suffered Jesus died Jesus was put in a tomb. They
had left the church in silence!
How would they have felt?
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On Easter Saturday night
In the darkness, the congregation gather outside
the church. The church itself is in darkness. A
fire is lit.
THE PASCHAL CANDLE is brought out!
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The priest
etches a CROSS on the candle
A reminder of the death of Jesus!
etches on the first letter of the Greek alphabet
- ALPHA
A

etches on the last letter of the Greek alphabet
- OMEGA
O
These remind the congregation that Jesus is the
BEGINNING and END of each of their lives
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The priest then
etches the YEAR on the candle
inserts 5 grains of INCENSE on the cross
A reminder of the wounds of Jesus
A

2
0
LIGHTS the candle
8
0
A reminder that JESUS IS RISEN!
O
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THE PASCHAL CANDLE
is carried into the church and everyone follows.
The priest and congregation sing CHRIST OUR
LIGHT THANKS BE TO GOD 3 times
A

After the second time, the congregation light
candles.
2
0
5
0
O
After the third time, All the light are put on!
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Then THE EXSULTET, an ancient prayer of the
Church, is sung
REJOICE, HEAVENLY POWERS! SING CHOIRS OF
ANGELS! EXULT ALL CREATION AROUND GODS
THRONE! JESUS IS RISEN! SOUND THE TRUMPET OF
SALVATION! SING, DANCE AND REJOICE FOR JESUS
LIVES!
THE PEOPLE ARE FILLED WITH EASTER JOY!
O
O