Lutheran Easter Vigil Question

[skigirl1689]

A blessed Easter to everyone!

I attended an Easter service at a different church this year but it was still in my synod (WELS), and the day before my family had said it was a 7 am “Sunrise Service.” However, when we arrived the service folder said it was an Easter Vigil and Celebration of Holy Baptism. The service began in darkness, there were four Old Testament readings, and a renewal of our baptismal vows before the sun rose and the “regular” Easter hymns and readings began.

I’ve never been to a Catholic Easter Vigil but know this was similar to that liturgy. My confusion is I always thought Easter Vigils were Saturday night after sundown. Traditionally speaking, can they be held before sunrise on Easter Sunday? I’ve just never heard of this.

 

[GEddie]

A blessed Easter to everyone!

I attended an Easter service at a different church this year but it was still in my synod (WELS), and the day before my family had said it was a 7 am “Sunrise Service.” However, when we arrived the service folder said it was an Easter Vigil and Celebration of Holy Baptism. The service began in darkness, there were four Old Testament readings, and a renewal of our baptismal vows before the sun rose and the “regular” Easter hymns and readings began.

I’ve never been to a Catholic Easter Vigil but know this was similar to that liturgy. My confusion is I always thought Easter Vigils were Saturday night after sundown. Traditionally speaking, can they be held before sunrise on Easter Sunday? I’ve just never heard of this.

The Easter Vigil has to begin at night; technically the predawn meets this rubric; however, it defeats the purpose of a vigil, which opens a liturgical feast the preceding nightfall, since that is Biblically when the day begins.

I have never heard of a Catholic EV beginning in the predawn Sunday.

ICXC NIKA

 

[skigirl1689]

The Easter Vigil has to begin at night; technically the predawn meets this rubric; however, it defeats the purpose of a vigil, which opens a liturgical feast the preceding nightfall, since that is Biblically when the day begins.

I have never heard of a Catholic EV beginning in the predawn Sunday.

ICXC NIKA

Thanks! I’ve personally never heard of a Lutheran Easter Vigil until 2 days ago. I am not sure if the Lutheran church follows the same liturgical rules for vigils, and I have had no success in my research thus far as to what is allowed or not.

 

[Jeff77]

Thanks! I’ve personally never heard of a Lutheran Easter Vigil until 2 days ago. I am not sure if the Lutheran church follows the same liturgical rules for vigils, and I have had no success in my research thus far as to what is allowed or not.

I’m LCMS. our Easter Vigil begins 7am Saturday, and ends at 9 or so. It really doesn’t make sense to hold the Vigil in the morning or on another day than the eve of Easter.

 

[liturgyluver]

There is absolutely no reason why the Easter Vigil cannot be celebrated on Sunday morning but the service must begin before sunrise -it can be very dramatic if the sun rises with the proclomation of the Gloria. Monastic communities and a handful of Catholic parishes observe the Vigil in this way as well as some Lutherans and Anglicans. Some Orthodox begin their service at midnight.

The traditional lutheran service is very beautiful and as well as the traditional readings and psalms includes a number of gregorian chants.

 

[Jeff77]

I’m LCMS. our Easter Vigil begins 7am Saturday, and ends at 9 or so. It really doesn’t make sense to hold the Vigil in the morning or on another day than the eve of Easter.

I meant to say that our vigil started at 7pm, not am.

Very interesting…I have nev heard of anyone practicing the vigil on Sunday. I understood, that the vigil started when the day began…which was night fall.

 

[Lisa1967]

The Easter Vigil has to begin at night; technically the predawn meets this rubric; however, it defeats the purpose of a vigil, which opens a liturgical feast the preceding nightfall, since that is Biblically when the day begins.

I have never heard of a Catholic EV beginning in the predawn Sunday.

ICXC NIKA

In 1986 I went through RCIA and became a Catholic at a vigil held at a student parish in East Lansing, Michigan called St. John’s Student Parish. The vigil began at 5:30 am. It was in the tradition at this parish at least. I don’t know if it still is.

 

[EvangelCatholic]

Observations of the Easter Vigil are becoming ever more common among Lutherans. The missal/ hymnal provide extensive rubrics and various chants. It is an historic celebration of our Lord’s resurrection. Most Lutheran parishes celebrate the Vigil on Saturday evening though it is rare that the service is at midnight [people just don’t want to be out that late]. Early Easter morning is perfectly fine as well.

 

[skigirl1689]

There is absolutely no reason why the Easter Vigil cannot be celebrated on Sunday morning but the service must begin before sunrise -it can be very dramatic if the sun rises with the proclomation of the Gloria. Monastic communities and a handful of Catholic parishes observe the Vigil in this way as well as some Lutherans and Anglicans. Some Orthodox begin their service at midnight.

The traditional lutheran service is very beautiful and as well as the traditional readings and psalms includes a number of gregorian chants.

Thanks everyone for the insight!

It was a beautiful service and will likely become the most memorable Easter services I’ve attended. Yes, it would have been glorious if it had been clear that morning as the church faces east and there is a stained glass window above the alter. But unfortunately it was a very cloudy and rainy morning.