Easter, the feast of Christ’s Resurrection, is the central celebration of the Christian liturgical year. The Resurrection is the foundation of our faith, hope, and courage. Through Jesus’ Resurrection, we too will rise from the dead one day, both body and soul. These prayer celebrations will help participants share prayer during this holy season.

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Easter for additional background information and prayer.


"New Life in Christ" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Believing in our risen Lord
Materials		Prayer table, Bible, Paschal or other large candle, small candles, music, small bowl of holy water, liturgy
Reading		Matthew 28:16-20; Psalm 150:1-6
Music		"We Have Been Told," "We Are Called, " "With Hope and Healing" [Meditation], Blest Are We CD 7-8; "We Walk by Faith," Marty Haugen (GIA Publications); "This is the Day," Michael Joncas (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Discuss with participants Easter signs and symbols. Then have them decorate the worship area with some of these signs of new life and of spring. Select a leader and Scripture reader. Assign groups. Print out and photocopy liturgy, "New Life in Christ." Place holy water on prayer table along with a Paschal or other large candle.
Adaptation		A brief period of meditation following each Response Reading will allow participants to concentrate on their personal encounters with Christ.
Additional Materials		For a full year of liturgies, from which this one was adapted, see Prayer Celebrations, Middle School Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30570-1 Used as a resource for this liturgy, see also Jesus Did Not Celebrate Christmas – A Guide for Christians to Jewish Holidays Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-9709574-0-8 Blest Are We CD, Level/Grade 7-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36394-9 Blest Are We Song Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Words and melody for students; contains music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2