Easter Sunday – Liturgy Preparation

Opening Comment

This Easter morning we celebrate the central mystery of our faith, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He suffered on the cross and died for us, but now he is risen! Filled with the spirit of Easter joy, let us proclaim the might and glory of God, as we sing (say): Glory to God in the highest …

 

Introduction to the Scripture Readings

Acts 10:34, 37-43 —Peter sums up the whole Paschal Mystery – the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Colossians 3:1-4 — We too can share the glory of Christ.

Or 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 — We should celebrate Easter by putting aside any trace of wickedness in us.

John 20:1-9 — In John’s description of the resurrection, Mary Magdalene is the first to witness the empty tomb.

 

The General Intercessions

Introduction (by the Presider) We bring our prayers to God, whose love for us has no end.

Intercessions (announced by the deacon, minister or member of the Faithful)

  1. That those becoming Christian through baptism this Easter time may imitate the faith of those already baptised. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  2. That all the nations of the earth, particularly peoples at war, may learn to walk the path of reconciliation and justice. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  3. That the hopeless and the lost may find direction and courage through the power of Jesus, our Risen Saviour. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  4. That the people in our community who suffer illness or anxiety may experience healing and peace. (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.
  5. That those who have died recently may share the glory of Christ’s resurrection (especially N. & N.) and that all from this community who have died since last Easter may find rest: (we remember them now … ) (Pause for silent prayer) Lord, hear us.

Conclusion (by the Presider) O God, you lead your people from defeat to triumph: Hear and grant our prayers, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Other Liturgical Suggestions

Alternative Opening Prayer. The Sequence may be read or sung after the Second Reading. The Alleluia follows it: this is sung at every Mass today. The Creed is usually replaced with the renewal of baptismal promises, following the format given in the Missal with the Easter Sunday Mass prayers. After this, the people are sprinkled with Easter water. (This is why the penitential Rite is omitted and the Gloria follows the opening greeting.) Preface of Easter 1. Eucharistic Prayer 1 (special form of In union with the whole Church and Father accept this offering). Solemn Blessing 6 (Easter Sunday). Dismissal with multiple alleluias.

 

Songs

‘Jesus Christ is Risen Today’, ‘A New Hymn of Praise’, ‘This is the Day’.

Join the Discussion

Keep the following in mind when writing a comment

  • Your comment must include your full name, and email. (email will not be published). You may be contacted by email, and it is possible you might be requested to supply your postal address to verify your identity.
  • Be respectful. Do not attack the writer. Take on the idea, not the messenger. Comments containing vulgarities, personalised insults, slanders or accusations shall be deleted.
  • Keep to the point. Deliberate digressions don't aid the discussion.
  • Including multiple links or coding in your comment will increase the chances of it being automati cally marked as spam.
  • Posts that are merely links to other sites or lengthy quotes may not be published.
  • Brevity. Like homilies keep you comments as short as possible; continued repetitions of a point over various threads will not be published.
  • The decision to publish or not publish a comment is made by the site editor. It will not be possible to reply individually to those whose comments are not published.