Clustered Parish Easter Vigil Liturgical Considerations
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While there should be only one paschal candle for each parish, we also find that smaller communities are urged to celebrate the vigil together. With this in mind, and with the need to transfer the light and share the same baptismal water we offer these ideas.

At the blessing of the paschal candle only one candle should be publicly inscribed, the other being prepared prior to the celebration.

After Communion and before the final blessing the paschal candle for the sister parish is brought forth. The presider asks that a representative of the sister parish come forward and says:

We light from our candle used this night the sign of Christ's light to be used during this season and the coming year at N. Parish. As our Easter Proclamation reminds us it is a flame divided yet undimmed; a pillar of fire shining in the night. May our brothers and sisters receive it well.

The candle is then lighted from the paschal candle and handed to the representative.

Next, another representative is called forward for the purpose of sharing in the baptismal water from the one font. The presider addresses the representative as follows:

This night we are all reminded of the water of our common baptism. The water used this night is used to bless us during the entire season. We send this vessel of it now to our brothers and sisters at M. Parish as a reminder of our union through baptism.

The vessel is then handed to the representative.

The candle and water are carried forward in the procession at the end f the liturgy to be presented in the morning at the first liturgy in the sister parish.

Reception of the Candle and Water on Easter Morning:

During the entrance procession the Paschal Candle is brought in with same ritual as the Vigil. That is to say, the candle arrives at the back of the assembly and is raised high and the presider (or cantor) intones "Christ Our Light" to which all respond "Thanks Be To God." This is repeated half way through the assembly and again at the front of the church. When the candle is placed in the sanctuary in a place of prominence the Gathering Song is sung.

After the homily the presider begins:

We will renew the vows made from us at baptism. The water we use was blessed at our Vigil last night celebrated at N. Parish.

As the water is brought forward a suitable antiphon or song is sung. The renewal of baptismal vows proceeds in the usual manner.

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