Sprinkling Rite during Easter Vigil

[fergalmj]

Friends,
We are currently discussing how and when the sprinkling rite occurs during the Easter Vigil and from the little research I have undertaken I seem to think that there are three possibilities as to how it should or indeed should not be utilised.

1. If there is no baptism, then the faithful are sprinkled immediately after renewal of baptismal promises as per the Roman Ritual.
2. If there is a baptism or baptisms, then sprinkling rite may take place after the baptismal rite and before the Prayers of the Faithful.
3. If Confirmation is to be administered then the sprinkling rite should be omittted since the Roman Ritual directs the officiating Bishop/Priest to proceed immediately to the Rite of Confirmation after the Baptism. It simply does not seem practical to carry out sprinkling anywhere between or after the two rites according to the Roman Ritual.

I would love to hear your learned thoughts on this one please!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Phemie]

As I recall, not having my Missal with me, the renewal of Baptismal Promises for those in the pews takes place after the Confirmation and is followed by the Sprinkling Rite.

Paschale Solemnitatis says that the Baptismal Rite is followed by the faithful’s Renewal of Baptismal Promises and the Sprinkling Rite. Confirmation would be part and parcel of the Baptismal Rite.

 

[fergalmj]

So does that mean that the Baptismal promises are renewed separately by those being baptised (or their parents / guardians) and again by the faithful in the pews after Confirmation? i.e. two different runs at the baptismal promises in the one ceremony?

 

[Phemie]

So does that mean that the Baptismal promises are renewed separately by those being baptised (or their parents / guardians) and again by the faithful in the pews after Confirmation? i.e. two different runs at the baptismal promises in the one ceremony?

That is certainly what the Rite calls for.

 

[Cor_ad_Cor]

Precisely correct.

 

[TheLittleLady]

I know that I always get hit by holy water at the Easter Vigil, and we always have Confirmations

 

[jimXroberts]

I’d recommend “Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year” by Mgr Peter Elliott ISBN 9780898708295. This sets out in some detail the nuts and bolts of various celebrations. Every parish should have one! He has drawn together information from various sources including the Roman Ritual and GIRM.

For the Easter Vigil ceremonies, he sets out what should happen depending on whether there is adult Christian Initiation and/or infant Baptism, and whether the church has a font. All involve sprinkling the congregation after they have renewed their Baptismal promises. This could be with the Easter Baptismal water or (with no font or Baptisms) with lustral water for which there is a special Easter blessing.