The Great Vigil of Easter 2008

Douglas Bienert is the Parish Photographer as well as a professional photographer. Visit his website http://douglasbienert.blogspot.com for more information.

During the Great Easter Vigil, March 23, 2008, Douglas was able to capture the pictures in the photo essay below during the time when candles were the only light (except at the font when there was a single light high in the ceiling).

Father Mark Lillegard, Rector of The Parish of Saint Mark, Portland, Oregon, lights the charcoal in the thurible as part of the ceremony of the lighting of the new fire. This action takes place in the Narthex following the entry of the altar party through the front door.	Fr. Mark Lillegard traces they digits of the year 2008 on the candle. Fr. W. Scott Herb, Deacon of the Mass, holds the Pascal Candle. Mr. Robert Perry holds the service book and light.
Fr. Mark Lillegard is inserting the nails and incense into the Pascal Candle representing the five wounds of Christ. Fr. W. Scott Herb, Deacon of the Mass holds the candle.	Following this the Pascal Candle and altar party process into the Church stopping three times and singing The Light of Christ/Thanks be to God at each stop and a step higher each time. At each stop the new fire spreads through the church until everyone's hand candle is lit. Fr. Mark Lillegard has censed the candle and Fr. Herb has censed the book of chants. The Deacon next chants the Exultet.
	Fr. W. Scott Herb, as the Deacon of the Mass, chants the ancient Exultet. He is flanked by acolytes Bryan Brooksby and John Lillegard.
The Altar Party has arrived at the baptismal font for the blessing of the water that will be used in the Asperges following the end of the Prophesies and the first part of the Litany of Saints.	After the water has been blessed the holy oils blessed on Maundy Thursday are comingled with the water. Before the mixing in of the oil of chrism, unction and catechumens some water has been reserved for the Asperges and the holy water stoops.
Using water newly blessed at the font, Fr. Lillegard and Fr. Herb sprinkle the congregation with water in memory of their baptismal vows. The Choir is singing the Vida Aquam.	While the second part of the Litany of Saints is changed, the acolytes make the High Altar ready for the First Mass of Easter. As the Mass begins, only the candles in the Sanctuary are lit.
Illuminated only the the light of the six altar candles, the altar is censed while the Choir and Congregation sing the Kyrie eleison.	When the Kyrie is completed and the Sacred Ministers are at the sedelia, the Celebrant intones the Gloria and all the lights of the Church are turned on and the bells and organ are heard for the first time since Maundy Thursday. The First Mass of Easter is an abbreviated Mass with all parts left out that have already been celebrated. At the end a short office of Lauds is chanted. § Audio of Solemn High Mass of Easter Day is available at the AUDIO link along with other services during Lent and Holy Week.

All pictures are copyright © 2008 by Douglas Bienert. All else is copyright © 2008 by The Parish of St. Mark. All rights reserved.