HOLY SATURDAY

Holy Saturday is the quiet, solemn day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. For Roman Catholics it is a day of waiting, reflection, and hope, marking the time when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb.

Holy Saturday commemorates:

• Christ’s body resting in the tomb

• His descent into the dead 

• The Church waiting in silence before the Resurrection

It’s a day where no Mass is celebrated during the daytime, emphasising the stillness of the world without Christ.

• Altars remain bare and stripped (carried over from Good Friday)

• Churches are often quiet, with minimal decoration

• The tabernacle is empty or open, highlighting Christs absence

The Easter Vigil

The liturgical highlight of Holy Saturday is the Easter Vigil, always held after sunset and follows ancient traditions as the Church keeps vigil for the Lord.

1. Service of Light

   • A new fire is blessed outside the church

   • The Paschal Candle is lit

   • The church begins in darkness, then gradually fills with candlelight.

2. Liturgy of the Word

   • Several readings tell the story of salvation history

3. Baptismal Liturgy

   • New Catholics are baptised or received into the Church (especially adults through RCIA) and the rest of the congregation renew their baptisimal promises

4. Liturgy of the Eucharist

   • The first Mass of Easter is celebrated and the Church begins to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.