Jim also played this role in the successful performances of Gospel earlier this year. In the picture on the right, Jim is joined by Clara Coughlan playing the role of Pilate. At the conclusion of the service the now veiled cross is taken from the church to start Holy Week. The Easter Vigil begins on Saturday evening. The people arrive in darkness.
New fire is kindled in the narthex and the Pascal Candle is lit.
The light is brought into the still dark church to the sounds of the Exultant. There follows a series of readings that starts with Genesis and continues through the salvation story of the Hebrews. At the conclusion of the readings The lights come on and Easter begins. The Easter Vigil is a traditional time for baptism. This dates back to the earliest churches in Antioch where the vigil lasted all night and the candidates for baptism were questioned by the Bishop.