News from The Catholic Prayer Club^®

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EASTER 2007

Easter is our most holy day; the day when we celebrate that Jesus resurrected three days after being crucified. Let us look at some of the rituals and symbols relating to this holiest of holy days.

Triduum Rituals

Lent comes to an end before the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. That liturgy begins the Triduum, the great Three Days that celebrate the central mystery of our faith. Triduum rituals invite us all too baptismal renewal, par excellence. Here are some examples.

Washing of Feet

After the homily on Holy Thursday, we imitate our master in the washing of feet. This ritual reminds us that our baptismal commitment means we are to be servants of one another. In the time of St. Ambrose in Milan, those who were baptized also had their feet washed, because of Jesus' words to Peter: "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed" (Jn 13:10). Many scholars have seen a baptismal reference in those words.

Veneration of the Cross

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As part of our observance of Good Friday, we venerate the cross on which Christ died. The veneration challenges us to be willing to accept the cross, too, for it is the only way to resurrection. Through Baptism, we shared in Christ's death that we might come to new life. Every year we are called to deepen our identification with his cross and resurrection.

Waters of Baptism

The core of our celebration of the Easter Vigil is the Baptism of the elect. As we share in their joy on this holy night, we are all called to renew our own baptismal promises, to live in the joy of life in the Risen One. Lent comes to its fulfillment around the waters of the font.

What Do the Symbols Mean?

Many symbols come in mind when we think of Easter. Here are some of the most common symbols of the Easter season. The meanings might surprise you. The name Easter is actually derived from Eastre or Eostre, the Goddess of Spring. In Latin, the word Easter is Pascha.

Secular symbols of Easter include

Bunny - Bunnies are known to be the most fertile animal so they symbolize abundance. Bunnies represent new life in the spring season.

Egg - Eggs represent fertility and the emblem of life. Eggs were used to be brightly painted to reflect the sunlight in spring.

Chick - Chicks are a symbol of life.

White lily - The white lily is a symbol of resurrection.

Sunrise - Sunrise is celebrated at Easter because Mary Magdalene entered the garden and met the Lord at the rising of the sun.

The Cross - The Cross is where Jesus Christ was crucified.

The Triduun ends on Easter Sunday evening. We then begin the seven-week Easter season which lasts through Pentecost Sunday May 27.

It is a season full of life – it is springtime. Rivers and streams come alive. Trees sprout new leaves. Flowers blossom. Birds sing.

The Church says to us, “this is the perfect time of the year to celebrate life- a life that lasts forever. Enjoy! Let there be a 50 day festival. Let the Paschal Candle, lit from the Easter fire, burn brightly throughout these days. Catch the spirit in the air and let it remind you of the Holy Spirit within you.” We need to also catch the spirit of the season and let the good news sink in: Death has been conquered.

The CPC Prayer Intention for This Month

That , allowing themselves to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit, all Christians may answer enthusiastically and faithfully to the universal call to sanctity.

Lord hear our prayer

You can help us spread the good word of our Lord…by becoming a CPC Prayer Ministry Leader in your home area.

As a CPC Prayer Minister (PM) you will form and lead a small Home Based Prayer Community (HBPC) in your hometown.

It’s easy to get started. All you need to do is invite several friends, co-workers or family members to join your HBPC. Local communities are generally comprised of from 3 to 15 members who gather in community every other week to pray, reflect and share our faith. The Catholic Prayer Club will provide you with all of the materials you need to form organize and lead your ministry and Home Based Prayer Community.

So if you feel called to a ministry in the service of the Lord, please contact Steve Macy or Aurora Ragaza Co-Stewards of The Catholic Prayer Club at

News from The Catholic Prayer Club®

EASTER 2007

The core of our celebration of the Easter Vigil is the Baptism of the elect. As we share in their joy on this holy night, we are all called to renew our own baptismal promises, to live in the joy of life in the Risen One. Lent comes to its fulfillment around the waters of the font.

What Do the Symbols Mean?

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