The Easter Vigil in the holy night of Easter is “the mother of all holy Vigils.” In 2027 it is celebrated after nightfall on Saturday, March 27. After the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word and the Baptismal Liturgy, the Universal Prayer is said, and the newly baptized take part in it for the first time. Below are three complete sets of Prayers of the Faithful for the Easter Vigil, plus a short set for parishes with no baptisms.
Response: Lord, hear our prayer. (Or: Risen Lord, hear our prayer.)
How to use these intercessions
The priest introduces the Universal Prayer and says the closing prayer; a deacon or reader announces the intentions (GIRM 69–71). It is a beautiful custom to invite a newly baptized adult or one of the new members’ sponsors to read an intention.
Set 1: With the newly baptized
Priest: On this most holy night, rejoicing in the Resurrection, let us pray for the Church, for the world and for those who were born again tonight in Christ.
- For the holy Church, made radiant by the light of the risen Christ, that she may proclaim the joy of Easter to all people, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our new brothers and sisters, baptized, confirmed and receiving the Eucharist tonight, that they may walk always as children of the light, let us pray to the Lord.
- For their godparents, sponsors and families, and for all who accompanied them in OCIA, that they may support them with faith and friendship, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the leaders of nations, that the peace of the risen Lord may guide their decisions, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who are in darkness, the sick, the grieving and the despairing, that the light of Christ may shine on them, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, that they may rise with Christ to eternal life, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: God of life, in this holy night you have made all things new in Christ. Hear our prayers, and keep us always in the joy of Easter. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Set 2: The light, the water and the new life
- That the light of the Easter candle, Christ risen from the dead, may dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds, let us pray to the Lord.
- That all the baptized may renew tonight their promises to reject sin and live for God, let us pray to the Lord.
- That Christians divided by history may be united in faith in the one risen Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
- That those who are persecuted for the name of Christ may share in the strength of his Resurrection, let us pray to the Lord.
- That our parish may be a home for our new members and a light for our neighborhood, let us pray to the Lord.
Set 3: Short set
- For the Church, rejoicing in the Resurrection of her Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the world, longing for peace, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the suffering, waiting for the dawn, let us pray to the Lord.
- For our community, renewed in baptism, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the dead, sleeping in the hope of rising, let us pray to the Lord.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Easter Vigil in 2027?
On Holy Saturday night, March 27, 2027. It must begin after nightfall.
Do the newly baptized pray the Prayers of the Faithful?
Yes. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults notes that at the Easter Vigil the neophytes take part in the Universal Prayer for the first time.