This year will be the fourth annual Vigil on Good Friday and Holy Saturday – April 6-7. The Vigil starts with a service in the West Transept at 6:00 p.m., on Friday, and is followed by services held every three hours thereafter through midnight on Saturday.
What does one DO at a Vigil?
One particpates in simple services of scripture, music, and prayer.
If I come at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, am I expected
to stay until Saturday midnight?
Certainly not! People often choose which hour or hours they wish to come, and are free to come and go as desired. Several of the venues of the church are used, including the sanctuary, the outdoor prayer garden and labyrinth, and the Chapel of the Holy Trinity.
Why have a vigil?
It is a devotional exercise, a time to heighten and enliven our Holy Week experience – a time to share our common remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion
and resurrection, and a time of spiritual growth.
What happens at midnight on Saturday?
Those present joyfully participate in a Paschal meal of traditional food and celebrate the coming of Easter Day.
Isn’t a Vigil Roman Catholic?
The Easter Vigil, also called the Paschal Vigil or the Great Vigil of Easter, is a service held in many traditional Christian churches as the first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus.
The Easter Vigil will add significantly to your Holy Week experience, and you are encouraged to take part in this meaningful experience.