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Binding Type: 1979 Book of Common Prayer

Proper Liturgies for Special Days – The Great Vigil of Easter

The Lighting of the Paschal Candle

In the darkness, fire is kindled; after which the Celebrant may address the
people in these or similar words

Dear friends in Christ: On this most holy night, in which our
Lord Jesus passed over from death to life, the Church invites
her members, dispersed throughout the world, to gather in
vigil and prayer. For this is the Passover of the Lord, in which,
by hearing his Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share
in his victory over death.

The Celebrant may say the following prayer

Let us pray.

O God, through your Son you have bestowed upon your
people the brightness of your light: Sanctify this new fire, and
grant that in this Paschal feast we may so burn with heavenly
desires, that with pure minds we may attain to the festival of
everlasting light; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Paschal Candle is then lighted from the newly kindled fire, and the
Deacon (the Celebrant if there is no deacon) bearing the Candle, leads the
procession to the chancel, pausing three times and singing or saying

 The light of Christ.
PeopleThanks be to God.

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If candles have been distributed to members of the congregation, they are
lighted from the Paschal Candle at this time. Other candles and lamps in
the church, except for those at the Altar, may also be lighted.

The Paschal Candle is placed in its stand.

Then the Deacon, or other person appointed, standing near the Candle,
sings or says the Exsultet, as follows (the indicated sections may be
omitted)

Rejoice now, heavenly hosts and choirs of angels,
and let your trumpets shout Salvation
for the victory of our mighty King.

Rejoice and sing now, all the round earth,
bright with a glorious splendor,
for darkness has been vanquished by our eternal King.

Rejoice and be glad now, Mother Church,
and let your holy courts, in radiant light,
resound with the praises of your people.

   All you who stand near this marvelous and holy flame,
   pray with me to God the Almighty
   for the grace to sing the worthy praise of this great light;
   through Jesus Christ his Son our Lord,
   who lives and reigns with him,
   in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
   one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 The Lord be with you.
AnswerAnd also with you.
DeaconLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.
AnswerIt is right to give him thanks and praise.

Deacon

It is truly right and good, always and everywhere, with our

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whole heart and mind and voice, to praise you, the invisible,
almighty, and eternal God, and your only-begotten Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the true Paschal Lamb, who
at the feast of the Passover paid for us the debt of Adam’s sin,
and by his blood delivered your faithful people.

This is the night, when you brought our fathers, the children
of Israel, out of bondage in Egypt, and led them through the
Red Sea on dry land.

This is the night, when all who believe in Christ are delivered
from the gloom of sin, and are restored to grace and holiness
of life.

This is the night, when Christ broke the bonds of death and hell,
and rose victorious from the grave.

   How wonderful and beyond our knowing, O God, is your
   mercy and loving-kindness to us, that to redeem a slave, you
   gave a Son.

   How holy is this night, when wickedness is put to flight, and
   sin is washed away. It restores innocence to the fallen, and joy
   to those who mourn. It casts out pride and hatred, and brings
   peace and concord.

   How blessed is this night, when earth and heaven are joined
   and man is reconciled to God.

Holy Father, accept our evening sacrifice, the offering of this
candle in your honor. May it shine continually to drive away
all darkness. May Christ, the Morning Star who knows no
setting, find it ever burning–he who gives his light to all
creation, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

It is customary that the Paschal Candle burn at all services from
Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost.

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The Liturgy of the Word

The Celebrant may introduce the Scripture readings in these or similar
words

Let us hear the record of God’s saving deeds in history, how
he saved his people in ages past; and let us pray that our God
will bring each of us to the fullness of redemption.

At least two of the following Lessons are read, of which one is always the
Lesson from Exodus. After each Lesson, the Psalm or Canticle listed, or
some other suitable psalm, canticle, or hymn may be sung. A period of
silence may be kept; and the Collect provided, or some other suitable
Collect, may be said.

The story of Creation
Genesis 1:1–2:2

Psalm 33:1-11, or Psalm 36:5-10

Let us pray.     (Silence)

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully
restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may
share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our
humanity, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Flood
Genesis 7:1-5,     11-18;     8:8-18;      9:8-13

Psalm 46

Let us pray.     (Silence)

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Almighty God, you have placed in the skies the sign of your
covenant with all living things: Grant that we, who are saved
through water and the Spirit, may worthily offer to you our
sacrifice of thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac
Genesis 22:1-18

Psalm 33:12-22, or Psalm 16

Let us pray.     (Silence)

God and Father of all believers, for the glory of your Name
multiply, by the grace of the Paschal sacrament, the number
of your children; that your Church may rejoice to see fulfilled
your promise to our father Abraham; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

Israel’s deliverance at the Red Sea
Exodus 14:10–15:1

Canticle 8, The Song of Moses

Let us pray.     (Silence)

O God, whose wonderful deeds of old shine forth even to
our own day, you once delivered by the power of your mighty
arm your chosen people from slavery under Pharaoh, to be a
sign for us of the salvation of all nations by the water of
Baptism: Grant that all the peoples of the earth may be
numbered among the offspring of Abraham, and rejoice in
the inheritance of Israel; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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God’s Presence in a renewed Israel
Isaiah 4:2-6

Psalm 122

Let us pray.     (Silence)

O God, you led your ancient people by a pillar of cloud by day
and a pillar of fire by night: Grant that we, who serve you
now on earth, may come to the joy of that heavenly Jerusalem,
where all tears are wiped away and where your saints for ever
sing your praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Salvation offered freely to all
Isaiah 55:1-11

Canticle 9, The First Song of Isaiah, or Psalm 42:1-7

Let us pray.     (Silence)

O God, you have created all things by the power of your
Word, and you renew the earth by your Spirit: Give now the
water of life to those who thirst for you, that they may bring
forth abundant fruit in your glorious kingdom; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

A new heart and a new spirit
Ezekiel 36:24-28

Psalm 42:1-7, or Canticle 9, The First Song of Isaiah

Let us pray.     (Silence)

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery
established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all

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who are reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show
forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The valley of dry bones
Ezekiel 37:1-14

Psalm 30, or Psalm 143

Let us pray.     (Silence)

Almighty God, by the Passover of your Son you have brought
us out of sin into righteousness and out of death into life:
Grant to those who are sealed by your Holy Spirit the will
and the power to proclaim you to all the world; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

The gathering of God’s people
Zephaniah 3:12-20

Psalm 98, or Psalm 126

Let us pray.     (Silence)

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look
favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred
mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry
out in tranquillity the plan of salvation; let the whole world
see and know that things which were cast down are being
raised up, and things which had grown old are being made
new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection
by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A homily may be preached after any of the preceding Readings.

Holy Baptism (beginning with the Presentation of the Candidates,
page 305, and concluding with the reception of the newly baptized) may
be administered here or after the Gospel. Confirmation may also be
administered.

In the absence of candidates for Baptism or Confirmation, the
Celebrant leads the people in the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, either here
or after the Gospel.

The Celebrant may first address the people in these or similar words, all
standing

Through the Paschal mystery, dear friends, we are buried
with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to
newness of life. I call upon you, therefore, now that our
Lenten observance is ended, to renew the solemn promises
and vows of Holy Baptism, by which we once renounced
Satan and all his works, and promised to serve God faithfully
in his holy Catholic Church.

The Renewal of Baptismal Vows

CelebrantDo you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and
renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
PeopleI do.
  
CelebrantDo you believe in God the Father?
PeopleI believe in God, the Father almighty,
     creator of heaven and earth.

292    Easter Vigil


CelebrantDo you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
PeopleI believe inJesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
     He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
          and born of the Virgin Mary.
     He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
          was crucified, died, and was buried.
     He descended to the dead.
     On the third day he rose again.
     He ascended into heaven,
          and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
     He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
  
CelebrantDo you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
PeopleI believe in the Holy Spirit,
     the holy catholic Church,
     the communion of saints,
     the forgiveness of sins,
     the resurrection of the body,
     and the life everlasting.
  
CelebrantWill you continue in the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the
prayers?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
  
CelebrantWill you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
  
CelebrantWill you proclaim by word and example the Good
News of God in Christ?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
  
CelebrantWill you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.

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CelebrantWill you strive for justice and peace among all people,
and respect the dignity of every human being?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.

The Celebrant concludes the Renewal of Vows as follows

May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and
bestowed upon us the forgiveness of sins, keep us in eternal
life by his grace, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

At the Eucharist

The candles at the Altar may now be lighted from the Paschal Candle.

One of the following Canticles is then sung. Immediately before the
Canticle the Celebrant may say to the people

 Alleluia. Christ is risen.
PeopleThe Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

The Canticles

Gloria in excelsis
Te Deum laudamus
Pascha nostrum

The Celebrant then says

 The Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
CelebrantLet us pray.

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The Celebrant says one of the following Collects

Almighty God, who for our redemption gave your only-
begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious
resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant
us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him
in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

or this

O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the
glory of the Lord’s resurrection: Stir up in your Church that
Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we,
being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in
sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.

Epistle    Romans 6:3-11

“Alleluia” may be sung and repeated.

Psalm 114, or some other suitable psalm or a hymn may be sung.

Gospel    Matthew 28:1-10

If a sermon or homily was not preached earlier, it follows here.

The Nicene Creed is not used at this service.

Holy Baptism, Confirmation, or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows may
take place here.

The celebration continues with the Prayers of the People.

Preface of Easter

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Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into
Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism
is indissoluble.

Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the
chief service on a Sunday or other feast.

The bishop, when present, is the celebrant; and is expected to preach the
Word and preside at Baptism and the Eucharist. At Baptism, the bishop
officiates at the Presentation and Examination of Candidates;
says the Thanksgiving over the Water; [consecrates the Chrism;] reads the
prayer, “Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy
Spirit;” and officiates at what follows.

In the absence of a bishop, a priest is the celebrant and presides at the
service. If a priest uses Chrism in signing the newly baptized, it must have
been previously consecrated by the bishop.

Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more
baptized persons.

Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and
thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention
to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of
infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make
promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their
candidates.

It is fitting that parents be included among the godparents of their own
children. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of
Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge
and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church.

Additional Directions are on page 312.

298    Holy Baptism


A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.

The people standing, the Celebrant says

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
PeopleAnd blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost

CelebrantAlleluia. Christ is risen.
PeopleThe Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

In Lent and on other penitential occasions

CelebrantBless the Lord who forgives all our sins;
PeopleHis mercy endures forever.

The Celebrant then continues

There is one Body and one Spirit;
PeopleThere is one hope in God’s call to us;
CelebrantOne Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;
PeopleOne God and Father of all.
CelebrantThe Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
CelebrantLet us pray.

Holy Baptism    299


The Collect of the Day

PeopleAmen.

At the principal service on a Sunday or other feast, the Collect and
Lessons are properly those of the Day. On other occasions, they are
selected from “At Baptism.” (See Additional Directions, page 312.)

The Lessons

The people sit. One or two Lessons, as appointed, are read,
the Reader first saying

A Reading (Lesson) from ______________.

A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.


After each Reading, the Reader may say

The Word of the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.

Or the Reader may say    Here ends the Reading (Epistle).

Silence may follow.

A Psalm, hymn, or anthem may follow each Reading.

Then, all standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to _____________.
PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.

After the Gospel, the Reader says

The Gospel of the Lord.
PeoplePraise to you, Lord Christ.

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The Sermon

Or the Sermon may be preached after the Peace.

Presentation and Examination
of the Candidates


The Celebrant says

The Candidate(s) for Holy Baptism will now be presented.

Adults and Older Children

The candidates who are able to answer for themselves are presented
individually by their Sponsors, as follows

SponsorI present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.


The Celebrant asks each candidate when presented

Do you desire to be baptized?
CandidateI do.

Infants and Younger Children

Then the candidates who are unable to answer for themselves are presented
individually by their Parents and Godparents, as follows


Parents and Godparents

I present N. to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

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When all have been presented the Celebrant asks the parents and
godparents

Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present
is brought up in the Christian faith and life?

Parents and Godparents

I will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you by your prayers and witness help this child to grow
into the full stature of Christ?

Parents and Godparents

I will, with God’s help.

Then the Celebrant asks the following questions of the candidates who
can speak for themselves, and of the parents and godparents who speak
on behalf of the infants and younger children

QuestionDo you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces
of wickedness that rebel against God?
AnswerI renounce them.
 
QuestionDo you renounce the evil powers of this world
which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
AnswerI renounce them.
 
QuestionDo you renounce all sinful desires that draw you
from the love of God?
AnswerI renounce them.
 
QuestionDo you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your
Savior?
AnswerI do.
 
QuestionDo you put your whole trust in his grace and love?
AnswerI do.

302    Holy Baptism


QuestionDo you promise to follow and obey him as your
Lord?
AnswerI do.
When there are others to be presented, the Bishop says
The other Candidate(s) will now be presented.
 
PresentersI present these persons for Confirmation.
OrI present these persons to be received into this
Communion.
OrI present these persons who desire to reaffirm their
baptismal vows.
The Bishop asks the candidates
Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil.
CandidateI do.
Bishop
Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
Candidate
I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior
and Lord.
After all have been presented, the Celebrant addresses the congregation,
saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your
power to support these persons in their life in Christ?
PeopleWe will.
The Celebrant then says these or similar words
Let us join with those who are committing themselves to Christ
and renew our own baptismal covenant.

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The Baptismal Covenant

CelebrantDo you believe in God the Father?
PeopleI believe in God, the Father almighty,
    creator of heaven and earth.
 
CelebrantDo you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
PeopleI believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
    He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
        and born of the Virgin Mary.
    He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
        was crucified, died, and was buried.
    He descended to the dead.
    On the third day he rose again.
    He ascended into heaven,
        and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
 
CelebrantDo you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
PeopleI believe in the Holy Spirit,
    the holy catholic Church,
    the communion of saints,
    the forgiveness of sins,
    the resurrection of the body,
    and the life everlasting.
 
CelebrantWill you continue in the apostles’ teaching and
fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the
prayers?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
 
CelebrantWill you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever
you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.

304    Holy Baptism


CelebrantWill you proclaim by word and example the Good
News of God in Christ?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
 
CelebrantWill you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving
your neighbor as yourself?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.
 
CelebrantWill you strive for justice and peace among all
people, and respect the dignity of every human
being?
PeopleI will, with God’s help.

Prayers for the Candidates


The Celebrant then says to the congregation

Let us now pray for these persons who are to receive the
Sacrament of new birth [and for those (this person) who
have renewed their commitment to Christ.]

A Person appointed leads the following petitions

LeaderDeliver them, O Lord, from the way of sin and
death.
PeopleLord, hear our prayer.
 
LeaderOpen their hearts to your grace and truth.
PeopleLord, hear our prayer.
 
LeaderFill them with your holy and life-giving Spirit.
PeopleLord, hear our prayer.
 
LeaderKeep them in the faith and communion of your holy
Church.
PeopleLord, hear our prayer.
 
LeaderTeach them to love others in the power of the Spirit.
PeopleLord, hear our prayer.

Holy Baptism    305


LeaderSend them into the world in witness to your love.
PeopleLord, hear our prayer.
 
LeaderBring them to the fullness of your peace and glory.
PeopleLord, hear our prayer.

The Celebrant says

Grant, O Lord, that all who are baptized into the death
of Jesus Christ your Son may live in the power of his
resurrection and look for him to come again in glory; who
lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.

Thanksgiving over the Water

The Celebrant blesses the water, first saying

The Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.
CelebrantLet us give thanks to the Lord our God.
PeopleIt is right to give him thanks and praise.

Celebrant

We thank you, Almighty God, for the gift of water.
Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation.
Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage
in Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus
received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy
Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death
and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life.

We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are
buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his
resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit.
Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his

306    Holy Baptism


fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.


At the following words, the Celebrant touches the water

Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your
Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and
born again may continue for ever in the risen life of Jesus
Christ our Savior.

To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be all honor and
glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Consecration of the Chrism

The Bishop may then consecrate oil of Chrism, placing a hand on the
vessel of oil, and saying


Eternal Father, whose blessed Son was anointed by the
Holy Spirit to be the Savior and servant of all, we pray you to
consecrate this oil, that those who are sealed with it may
share in the royal priesthood of Jesus Christ; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Baptism

Each candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant, or to an assisting
priest or deacon, who then immerses, or pours water upon, the
candidate, saying

N., I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy Baptism    307


When this action has been completed for all candidates, the Bishop or
Priest, at a place in full sight of the congregation, prays over them, saying

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy
Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the
forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of
grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them
an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to
persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy
and wonder in all your works. Amen.


Then the Bishop or Priest places a hand on the person’s head, marking
on the forehead the sign of the cross [using Chrism if desired] and saying to
each one

N., you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked
as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.

Or this action may be done immediately after the administration of the
water and before the preceding prayer.


When all have been baptized, the Celebrant says

Let us welcome the newly baptized.


Celebrant and People

We receive you into the household of God. Confess the faith
of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with
us in his eternal priesthood.


If Confirmation, Reception, or the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows is
not to follow, the Peace is now exchanged

CelebrantThe peace of the Lord be always with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.

308    Holy Baptism


At Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation


The Bishop says to the congregation

Let us now pray for these persons who have renewed
their commitment to Christ.


Silence may be kept.

Then the Bishop says

Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and
resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin
and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your
Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in
these your servants the covenant you made with them at their
Baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to
perform the service you set before them; through Jesus Christ
your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

For Confirmation


The Bishop lays hands upon each one and says

Strengthen, O Lord, your servant N. with your Holy Spirit;
empower him for your service; and sustain him all the days
of his life. Amen.

or this

Defend, O Lord, your servant N. with your heavenly grace,
that he may continue yours forever, and daily increase in
your Holy Spirit more and more, until he comes to your
everlasting kingdom. Amen.

Holy Baptism    309


For Reception

N., we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic
and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship
of this Communion. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless, preserve, and keep you. Amen.

For Reaffirmation

N., may the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you,
direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his
kingdom. Amen.


Then the Bishop says

Almighty and everliving God, let your fatherly hand ever be
over these your servants; let your Holy Spirit ever be with
them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of
your Word, that they may serve you in this life, and dwell
with you in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


The Peace is then exchanged

CelebrantThe peace of the Lord be always with you.
PeopleAnd also with you.

At the Eucharist

The service then continues with the Prayers of the People or the
Offertory of the Eucharist, at which the Bishop, when present, should be
the principal Celebrant.


Except on Principal Feasts, the Proper Preface of Baptism may be used.

310    Holy Baptism


Alternative Ending

If there is no celebration of the Eucharist, the service continues with
the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
    hallowed be thy Name,
    thy kingdom come,
    thy will be done,
        on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
    as we forgive those
        who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
    and the power, and the glory,
    for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father in heaven,
    hallowed be your Name,
    your kingdom come,
    your will be done,
        on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
    as we forgive those
        who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial,
    and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
    and the glory are yours,
    now and for ever. Amen.

The celebrant then says

All praise and thanks to you, most merciful Father, for
adopting us as your own children, for incorporating us into
your holy Church, and for making us worthy to share in the
inheritance of the saints in light; through Jesus Christ your
Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Alms may be received and presented, and other prayers may be added,
concluding with this prayer

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from
whom every family in heaven and earth is named, grant you
to be strengthened with might by his Holy Spirit, that, Christ
dwelling in your hearts by faith, you may be filled with all the
fullness of God. Amen.

Holy Baptism    311


Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the
Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’
Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday
after the Epiphany). It is recommended that, as far as possible,
Baptisms be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is
present.

If on any one of the above-named days the ministry of a bishop or
priest cannot be obtained, the bishop may specially authorize a
deacon to preside. In that case, the deacon omits the prayer over
the candidates, page 308, and the formula and action which follow.

These omitted portions of the rite may be administered on some
subsequent occasion of public baptism at which a bishop or priest
presides.

If on the four days listed above there are no candidates for Baptism,
the Renewal of Baptismal vows, page 292, may take the place of the
Nicene Creed at the Eucharist.

If desired, the hymn Gloria in excelsis may be sung immediately after
the opening versicles and before the salutation “The Lord be with you.”

When a bishop is present, or on other occasions for sufficient reason,
the Collect (page 203 or 254) and one or more of the Lessons provided
for use at Baptism (page 928) may be substituted for the Proper of the
Day.

Lay persons may act as readers, and it is appropriate for sponsors to be
assigned this function. The petitions (page 305) may also be led by one of
the sponsors.

The Nicene Creed is not used at this service.

If the Presentation of the Candidates does not take place at the font, then
before or during the petitions (page 305), the ministers, candidates, and
sponsors go to the font for the Thanksgiving over the Water.

If the movement to the font is a formal procession, a suitable psalm, such
as Psalm 42, or a hymn or anthem, may be sung.

312    Holy Baptism


Where practicable, the font is to be filled with clean water immediately
before the Thanksgiving over the Water.

At the Thanksgiving over the Water, and at the administration of
Baptism, the celebrant, whenever possible, should face the people across
the font, and the sponsors should be so grouped that the people may have
a clear view of the action.

After the Baptism, a candle (which may be lighted from the Paschal
Candle) may be given to each of the newly baptized or to a godparent.

It may be found desirable to return to the front of the church for the
prayer, “Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit,”
and the ceremonies that follow it. A suitable psalm, such as Psalm 23, or a
hymn or anthem, may be sung during the procession.

The oblations of bread and wine at the baptismal Eucharist may be
presented by the newly baptized or their godparents.

Conditional Baptism

If there is reasonable doubt that a person has been baptized with water,
“In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”
(which are the essential parts of Baptism), the person is baptized in the
usual manner, but this form of words is used

If you are not already baptized, N., I baptize you in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Emergency Baptism

In case of emergency, any baptized person may administer Baptism
according to the following form.

Using the given name of the one to be baptized (if known), pour water on
him or her, saying

I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Spirit.

Holy Baptism    313


The Lord’s Prayer is then said.

Other prayers, such as the following, may be added

Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy
Spirit you have bestowed on upon this your servant the
forgiveness of sin and have raised him to the new life of
grace. Strengthen him, O Lord, with your presence, enfold
him in the arms of your mercy, and keep him safe forever.

The person who administers emergency Baptism should inform the priest
of the appropriate parish, so that the fact can be properly recorded.

If the baptized person recovers, the Baptism should be recognized
at a public celebration of the Sacrament with a bishop or priest
presiding, and the person baptized under emergency conditions,
together with the sponsors or godparents, taking part in everything
except the administration of the water.

314    Holy Baptism


Holy Eucharist Rite I – An Exhortation

This Exhortation may be used, in whole or in part, either during the
Liturgy or at other times. In the absence of a deacon or priest, this
Exhortation may be read by a lay person. The people stand or sit.

Beloved in the Lord: Our Savior Christ, on the night before
he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and
Blood as a sign and pledge of his love, for the continual
remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, and for a spiritual
sharing in his risen life. For in these holy Mysteries we are
made one with Christ, and Christ with us; we are made one
body in him, and members one of another.

Having in mind, therefore, his great love for us, and in
obedience to his command, his Church renders to Almighty
God our heavenly Father never-ending thanks for the
creation of the world, for his continual providence over us,
for his love for all mankind, and for the redemption of the
world by our Savior Christ, who took upon himself our flesh,
and humbled himself even to death on the cross, that he
might make us the children of God by the power of the Holy
Spirit, and exalt us to everlasting life.

But if we are to share rightly in the celebration of those holy
Mysteries, and be nourished by that spiritual Food, we must
remember the dignity of that holy Sacrament. I therefore call
upon you to consider how Saint Paul exhorts all persons to
prepare themselves carefully before eating of that Bread and
drinking of that Cup.

For, as the benefit is great, if with penitent hearts and living
faith we receive the holy Sacrament, so is the danger great, if
we receive it improperly, not recognizing the Lord’s Body.
Judge yourselves, therefore, lest you be judged by the Lord.

316    Exhortation


Examine your lives and conduct by the rule of God’s
commandments, that you may perceive wherein you have
offended in what you have done or left undone, whether in
thought, word, or deed. And acknowledge your sins before
Almighty God, with full purpose of amendment of life, being
ready to make restitution for all injuries and wrongs done by
you to others; and also being ready to forgive those who have
offended you, in order that you yourselves may be forgiven.
And then, being reconciled with one another, come to the
banquet of that most heavenly Food.

And if, in your preparation, you need help and counsel, then
go and open your grief to a discreet and understanding priest,
and confess your sins, that you may receive the benefit of
absolution, and spiritual counsel and advice; to the removal
of scruple and doubt, the assurance of pardon, and the
strengthening of your faith.

To Christ our Lord who loves us, and washed us in his own
blood, and made us a kingdom of priests to serve his God
and Father, to him be glory in the Church evermore. Through
him let us offer continually the sacrifice of praise, which is
our bounden duty and service, and, with faith in him, come
boldly before the throne of grace [and humbly confess our
sins to Almighty God].

Decalogue I    317


Holy Eucharist Rite I – The Decalogue: Traditional

God spake these words, and said:
I am the Lord thy God who brought thee out of the land of
Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none
other gods but me.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law
.

Decalogue I    317


Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth
beneath, or in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow
down to them, nor worship them.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law
.

Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law
.

Honor thy father and thy mother.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law
.

Thou shalt do no murder.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law
.

Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not steal.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law.

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and incline our hearts to keep this law
.

Thou shalt not covet.
Lord have mercy upon us,
and write all these thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.

318    Decalogue I


A Penitential Order: Rite One

For use at the beginning of the Liturgy, or as a separate service.

A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.

The people standing, the Celebrant says

 Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
PeopleAnd blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever.
Amen.

In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost

CelebrantAlleluia. Christ is risen.
PeopleThe Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

In Lent and on other penitential occasions

CelebrantBless the Lord who forgiveth all our sins.
PeopleHis mercy endureth for ever.

When used as a separate service, the Exhortation, page 316, may be
read, or a homily preached.

The Decalogue, page 317, may be said, the people kneeling.

The Celebrant may read one of the following sentences

Hear what our Lord Jesus saith:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great
commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments
hang all the Law and the Prophets.    Matthew 22:37-40

Penitential Order I    319


If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, God is faithful
and just to forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.    1 John 1:8,9

Seeing that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us come boldly unto the
throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in time of need.    Hebrews 4:14,16

The Deacon or Celebrant then says

Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

Silence may be kept

Minister and People

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against thee
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved thee with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in thy will,
and walk in thy ways,
to the glory of thy Name. Amen.

or this

Almighty and most merciful father,
we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep,
we have followed too much the devices and desires of our
    own hearts,

320    Penitential Order I


we have offended against thy holy laws,
we have left undone those things which we ought to
    have done,
and we have done those things which we ought not to
    have done.
But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
spare thou those who confess their faults,
restore thou those who are penitent,
according to thy promises declared unto mankind
in Christ Jesus our Lord;
and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake,
that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life,
to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.

The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands and says

The Almighty and merciful Lord grant you absolution and
remission of all your sins, true repentance, amendment of
life, and the grace and consolation of his Holy Spirit. Amen.

A deacon or lay person using the preceding form substitutes “us” for
“you” and “our” for “your.”

When this Order is used at the beginning of the Liturgy, the service
continues with the Kyrie eleison, the Trisagion, or the Gloria in excelsis.

When used separately, it concludes with suitable prayers, and the Grace
or a blessing.

Penitential Order I    321


Holy Eucharist: Rite One

It is the bishop’s prerogative, when present, to be the principal
celebrant at the Lord’s Table, and to preach the Gospel.

At all celebrations of the Liturgy, it is fitting that the principal
celebrant, whether bishop or priest, be assisted by other priests, and
by deacons and lay persons.

It is appropriate that the other priests present stand with the celebrant at
the Altar, and join in the consecration of the gifts, in breaking the Bread,
and in distributing Communion.

A deacon should read the Gospel and may lead the Prayers of the People.
Deacons should also serve at the Lord’s Table, preparing and placing on it
the offerings of bread and wine, and assisting in the ministration of the
sacrament to the people. In the absence of a deacon, these duties may be
performed by an assisting priest.

Lay persons appointed by the celebrant should normally be assigned the
reading of the Lessons which precede the Gospel, and may lead the
Prayers of the People.

Morning or Evening Prayer may be used in place of all that precedes the
Peace and the Offertory, provided that a lesson from the Gospel is always
included, and that the intercessions conform to the directions given for
the Prayers of the People.

Additional Directions are on page 406.

322    Holy Eucharist I


The Word of God

A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.
The people standing, the Celebrant says

 Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
PeopleAnd blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever.
Amen.

In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost

CelebrantAlleluia. Christ is risen.
PeopleThe Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

In Lent and on other penitential occasions

CelebrantBless the Lord who forgiveth all our sins;
PeopleHis mercy endureth for ever.

The Celebrant says

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires
known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the
thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy
holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy Eucharist I    323


Then the Ten Commandments (page 317) may be said, or the following

Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith:
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great
commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments
hang all the Law and the Prophets.

Here is sung or said

Lord, have mercy upon us.Kyrie eleison.
Christ, have mercy upon us.orChriste eleison.
Lord, have mercy upon us.Kyrie eleison.

or this

Holy God,
Holy and Mighty,
Holy Immortal One,
Have mercy upon us.

When appointed, the following hymn or some other song of praise is
sung or said, in addition to, or in place of, the preceding, all standing

Glory be to God on high,
    and on earth peace, good will towards men.

We praise thee, we bless thee,
    we worship thee,
    we glorify thee,
    we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,
O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
    that takest away the sins of the world,
    have mercy upon us.

324    Holy Eucharist I


Thou that takest away the sins of the world,
    receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father,
    have mercy upon us.

For thou only art holy;
thou only art the Lord;
thou only, O Christ,
    with the Holy Ghost,
    art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

The Collect of the Day

The Celebrant says to the people

 The Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd with thy spirit.
CelebrantLet us pray.

The Celebrant says the Collect.

PeopleAmen.

The Lessons

The people sit. One or two Lessons, as appointed, are read, the Reader
first saying

A Reading (Lesson) from                                      .

A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.

After each Reading, the Reader may say

 The word of the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.

Or the Reader may say        Here endeth the Reading (Epistle).

Holy Eucharist I    325


Silence may follow

Silence may follow

A Psalm, hymn, or anthem may follow each Reading.

Then, all standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying

 The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ
according to                            .
PeopleGlory be to thee, O Lord.

After the Gospel, the Reader says

 The Gospel of the Lord.
PeoplePraise be to thee, O Christ.

The Sermon

On Sundays and other Major Feasts there follows, all standing

The Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,
    the Father, the Almighty,
    maker of heaven and earth,
    of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
    the only Son of God,
    eternally begotten of the Father,
    God from God, Light from Light,
    true God from true God,
    begotten, not made,
    of one Being with the Father.
    Through him all things were made.
    For us and for our salvation
        he came down from heaven:

326    Holy Eucharist I


    by the power of the Holy Spirit
        he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
        and was made man.
    For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
        he suffered death and was buried.
        On the third day he rose again
            in accordance with the Scriptures;
        he ascended into heaven
            and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
    He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
        and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
    who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
    With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
    He has spoken through the Prophets.
    We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
    We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
    We look for the resurrection of the dead,
        and the life of the world to come. Amen.

or this

I believe in one God,
    the Father Almighty,
    maker of heaven and earth,
    and of all things visible and invisible;

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
    the only-begotten Son of God,
    begotten of his Father before all worlds,
    God of God, Light of Light,
    very God of very God,
    begotten, not made,
    being of one substance with the Father;
    by whom all things were made;

Holy Eucharist I    327


    who for us men and for our salvation
        came down from heaven,
    and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary,
        and was made man;
    and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate;
    he suffered and was buried;
    and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures,
    and ascended into heaven,
    and sitteth on the right hand of the Father;
    and he shall come again, with glory,
        to judge both the quick and the dead;
    whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life,
    who proceedeth from the Father and the Son;
    who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped
        and glorified;
    who spake by the Prophets.
    And I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church;
    I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins;
    and I look for the resurrection of the dead,
        and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People

Intercession is offered according to the following form, or in accordance 
with the directions on page 383.

The Deacon or other person appointed says

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church and the
world.

After each paragraph of this prayer, the People may make an appropriate
response, as directed.

328    Holy Eucharist I


Almighty and everliving God, who in thy holy Word hast
taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give
thanks for all men: Receive these our prayers which we offer
unto thy divine Majesty, beseeching thee to inspire
continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth,
unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess
thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and
live in unity and godly love.

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other
ministers [especially                      ], that they may, both by
their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively Word,
and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments.

And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace, and especially
to this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and
due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy Word,
truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days
of their life.

We beseech thee also so to rule the hearts of those who bear
the authority of government in this and every land [especially
                     ], that they may be led to wise decisions and right
actions for the welfare and peace of the world.

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold thy gracious
hand in all thy works, that, rejoicing in thy whole creation,
they may honor thee with their substance, and be faithful
stewards of thy bounty.

And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord,
to comfort and succor [                             and] all those who in this 
transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any
other adversity.

Holy Eucharist I    329


Additional petitions and thanksgivings may be included here.

And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants
departed this life in thy faith and fear [especially                      ],
beseeching thee to grant them continual growth in thy love
and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good
examples of [                     and of] all thy saints, that with
them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom.

Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake,
our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

If there is no celebration of the Communion, or if a priest is not available,
the service is concluded as directed on page 406.

Confession of Sin

A Confession of Sin is said here if it has not been said earlier. On
occasion, the Confession may be omitted.

The Deacon or Celebrant says the following, or else the Exhortation
on page 316.

Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and
are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to
lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and
walking from henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with
faith, and make your humble confession to Almighty God,
devoutly kneeling.

or this

Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God.

Silence may be kept.

330    Holy Eucharist I


Minister and People

Almighty God,
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
maker of all things, judge of all men:
We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins
    and wickedness,
which we from time to time most grievously have committed,
by thought, word, and deed, against thy divine Majesty,
provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us.
We do earnestly repent,
and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings;
the remembrance of them is grievous unto us,
the burden of them is intolerable.
Have mercy upon us,
have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may ever hereafter
serve and please thee in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of thy Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

or this

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against thee
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved thee with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in thy will,
and walk in thy ways,
to the glory of thy Name. Amen.

Holy Eucharist I    331


The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands and says

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy
hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with
hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy
upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm
and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to
everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Minister may then say one or more of the following sentences, first saying

Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.

Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and 
I will refresh you.    Matthew 11:28

God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son,
to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.    John 3:16

This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
1 Timothy 1:15

If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the righteous; and he is the perfect offering for our
sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole
world.    1 John 2:1-2

The Peace

All stand. The Celebrant says to the people

 The peace of the Lord be always with you.
PeopleAnd with thy spirit.

Then the Ministers and People may greet one another in the name of
the Lord.

332    Holy Eucharist I


The Holy Communion

The Celebrant may begin the Offertory with one of the sentences on
pages 343-344, or with some other sentence of Scripture.

During the Offertory, a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.

Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread
and wine, and money or other gifts, to the deacon or celebrant. The people
stand while the offerings are presented and placed on the Altar.

The Great Thanksgiving

An alternative form will be found on page 340.

Eucharistic Prayer I

The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest,
faces them and sings or says

 The Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd with thy spirit.
CelebrantLift up your hearts.
PeopleWe lift them up unto the Lord.
CelebrantLet us give thanks unto our Lord God.
PeopleIt is meet and right so to do.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should
at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord,
holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.

Holy Eucharist I    333


Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other
occasions as appointed.

Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the
company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious
Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Celebrant and People

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts:
Heaven and earth are full of thy Glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High.

Here may be added

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

The people kneel or stand.

Then the Celebrant continues

All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for
that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus
Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who
made there, by his one oblation of himself once offered, a full,
perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for
the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy
Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that
his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again.

At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it,
or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or
place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be
consecrated

For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread;
and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his

334    Holy Eucharist I


disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given
for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had
given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of this;
for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for
you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as
ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the
institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before
thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now
offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to
make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious
death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension;
rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable
benefits procured unto us by the same.

And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to
hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless
and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts
and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them
according to thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution,
in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers
of his most blessed Body and Blood.

And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to
accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most
humbly beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and
death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood,
we, and all thy whole Church, may obtain remission of our
sins, and all other benefits of his passion.

Holy Eucharist I    335


And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves,
our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living
sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee that we, and all
others who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion, may
worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son
Jesus Christ, be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction,
and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and
we in him.

And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins,
to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept
this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits,
but pardoning our offenses, through Jesus Christ our Lord;

By whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world
without end. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold
to say,

People and Celebrant

Our Father, who art in heaven,
    hallowed be thy Name,
    thy kingdom come,
    thy will be done,
        on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
    as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
    for ever and ever. Amen.

336    Holy Eucharist I


The Breaking of the Bread

The Celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept.

Then may be sung or said

[Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.]

In Lent, Alleluia is omitted, and may be omitted at other times except
during Easter Season.

The following or some other suitable anthem may be sung or said here

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
grant us thy peace.

The following prayer may be said. The People may join in saying
this prayer

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful
Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold
and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather
up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord
whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore,
gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ,
and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him,
and he in us. Amen.

Holy Eucharist I    337


Facing the people, the Celebrant may say the following InvitationThe Gifts of God for the People of God.

and may addTake them in remembrance that Christ died for
you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith,
with thanksgiving.

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately
deliver it to the people

The Bread and the Cup are given to the communicants with these words

The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee,
preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat
this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on
him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving.

The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee,
preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in
remembrance that Christ’s Blood was shed for thee, and be
thankful.

or with these words

The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in
everlasting life. [Amen.]

or with these words

The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. [Amen.]
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. [Amen.]

During the ministration of Communion, hymns, psalms, or anthems may
be sung.

When necessary, the Celebrant consecrates additional bread and wine,
using the form on page 408.

338    Holy Eucharist I


After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

The People may join in saying this prayer

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee
for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the
spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy
Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of
thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very
members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the
blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs,
through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly
beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy
grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do
all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the
Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end.
Amen.

The Bishop when present, or the Priest, gives the blessing

The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep
your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God,
and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of
God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be
amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

or this

The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

The Deacon, or the Celebrant, may dismiss the people with these words

 Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
PeopleThanks be to God.

or the following

Holy Eucharist I    339


DeaconGo in peace to love and serve the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.

or this

DeaconLet us go forth into the world, rejoicing
in the power of the Spirit.
PeopleThanks be to God.

or this

DeaconLet us bless the Lord.
PeopleThanks be to God.

From the Easter Vigil through the Day of Pentecost “Alleluia, alleluia”
may be added to any of the dismissals.

The People respondThanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.

340    Holy Eucharist I


Holy Eucharist Rite I – Alternative Form of the Great Thanksgiving (Eucharist Prayer B)

Eucharistic Prayer II

The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest,
faces them and sings or says

 The Lord be with you.
PeopleAnd with thy spirit.
CelebrantLift up your hearts.
PeopleWe lift them up unto the Lord.
CelebrantLet us give thanks unto our Lord God.
PeopleIt is meet and right so to do.

340    Holy Eucharist I


Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should
at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord,
holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.

Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other
occasions as appointed.

Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the
company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious
Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Celebrant and People

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts:
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High.

Here may be added

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

The people kneel or stand.

Then the Celebrant continues

All glory be to thee, O Lord our God, for that thou didst
create heaven and earth, and didst make us in thine own
image; and, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son
Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death
upon the cross for our redemption. He made there a full and
perfect sacrifice for the whole world; and did institute, and in
his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual
memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his
coming again.

Holy Eucharist I    341


At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold
it, or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or
place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be
consecrated

For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread;
and when he had given thanks to thee, he broke it, and gave it
to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is
given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had
given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of
you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed
for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as
oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy people do
celebrate and make, with these thy holy gifts which we now
offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to
make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious
death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; and
looking for his coming again with power and great glory.

And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to
hear us, and, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, to bless and
sanctify these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be unto
us the Body and Blood of thy dearly-beloved Son Jesus
Christ.

And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness to accept this
our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, whereby we offer
and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and
bodies. Grant, we beseech thee, that all who partake of this
Holy Communion may worthily receive the most precious
Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be filled with
thy grace and heavenly benediction; and also that we and all
thy whole Church may be made one body with him, that he

342    Holy Eucharist I


may dwell in us, and we in him; through the same Jesus
Christ our Lord;

By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the
Holy Ghost all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father
Almighty, world without end. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold
to say,

Continue with the Lord’s Prayer, page 336.

Holy Eucharist I    343


Holy Eucharist Rite I – Offertory Sentences

One of the following, or some other appropriate sentence of Scripture,
may be used

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good thy
vows unto the Most High.    Psalm 50:14

Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; bring offerings
and come into his courts.    Psalm 96:8

Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an
offering and sacrifice to God.    Ephesians 5:2

I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present
yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual worship.    Romans 12:1

If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that
thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift
before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy
brother, and then come and offer thy gift.    Matthew 5:23,24

Holy Eucharist I    343


Through Christ let us continually offer to God the sacrifice of
praise, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his Name.
But to do good and to distribute, forget not; for with such
sacrifices God is well pleased.    Hebrews 13:15,16

Worthy art thou, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor
and power; for thou hast created all things, and by thy will
they were created and have their being.    Revelation 4:11

Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory,
and the victory, and the majesty. For all that is in the heaven
and in the earth is thine. Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and
thou art exalted as head above all.    1 Chronicles 29:11

or this bidding

Let us with gladness present the offerings and oblations of
our life and labor to the Lord.

344    Holy Eucharist II


Holy Eucharist Rite I – Proper Prefaces

Preface of the Lord’s Day

To be used on Sundays as appointed, but not on the succeeding weekdays

1. Of God the Father

Creator of the light and source of life, who hast made us in
thine image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our
Lord.

or the following

344    Holy Eucharist I


2. Of God the Son

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the
week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious
resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.

or this

3. Of God the Holy Spirit

Who by water and the Holy Spirit hast made us a new people
in Jesus Christ our Lord, to show forth thy glory in all the
world.

Prefaces for Seasons

To be used on Sundays and weekdays alike, except as otherwise
appointed for Holy Days and Various Occasions

Advent

Because thou didst send thy beloved Son to redeem us from
sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life;
that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to
judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to
behold his appearing.

Incarnation

Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be
born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost,
was made very Man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his
mother; that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin,
and receive power to become thy children.

Holy Eucharist I    345


Epiphany

Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, thou hast
caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge
of thy glory in the face of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lent

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who was in every way
tempted as we are, yet did not sin; by whose grace we are
able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer unto
ourselves, but unto him who died for us and rose again.

or this

Who dost bid thy faithful people cleanse their hearts, and
prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer
and in works of mercy, and renewed by thy Word and
Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which
thou hast prepared for those who love thee.

Holy Week

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who for our sins was lifted
high upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to
himself; who by his suffering and death became the author of
eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him.

Easter

But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious
resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the
very Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and hath
taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath
destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath won for
us everlasting life.

346    Holy Eucharist I


Ascension

Through thy dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who
after his glorious resurrection manifestly appeared to his
disciples; and in their sight ascended into heaven, to prepare
a place for us; that where he is, there we might also be, and
reign with him in glory.

Pentecost

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose true
promise the Holy Ghost came down [on this day] from
heaven, lighting upon the disciples, to teach them and to lead
them into all truth; uniting peoples of many tongues in the
confession of one faith, and giving to thy Church the power
to serve thee as a royal priesthood, and to preach the
Gospel to all nations.

Prefaces for Other Occasions

Trinity Sunday

For with thy co-eternal Son and Holy Spirit, thou art one God,
one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Substance;
and we celebrate the one and equal glory of thee, O Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

All Saints

Who, in the multitude of thy saints, hast compassed us about
with so great a cloud of witnesses, that we, rejoicing in their
fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set before
us; and, together with them, may receive the crown of glory
that fadeth not away.

Holy Eucharist I    347


A Saint

For the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy saints,
who have been chosen vessels of thy grace, and the lights
of the world in their generations.

or this

Who in the obedience of thy saints hast given us an example
of righteousness, and in their eternal joy a glorious pledge of
the hope of our calling.

or this

Because thou are greatly glorified in the assembly of thy saints.
All thy creatures praise thee, and thy faithful servants bless
thee, confessing before the rulers of this world the great Name
of thine only Son.

Apostles and Ordinations

Through the great shepherd of thy flock, Jesus Christ our
Lord; who after his resurrection sent forth his apostles to
preach the Gospel and to teach all nations; and promised to
be with them always, even unto the end of the ages.

Dedication of a Church

Through Jesus Christ our great High Priest; in whom we are
build up as living stones of a holy temple, that we might offer
before thee a sacrifice of praise and prayer which is holy and
pleasing in thy sight.

Baptism

Because in Jesus Christ our Lord thou hast received us as thy
sons and daughters, made us citizens of thy kingdom, and
given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

348    Holy Eucharist I


Marriage

Because in the love of wife and husband, thou hast given us
an image of the heavenly Jerusalem, adorned as a bride for
her bridegroom, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who loveth
her and gave himself for her, that he might make the whole
creation new.

Commemoration of the Dead

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who rose victorious from the
dead, and doth comfort us with the blessed hope of
everlasting life; for to thy faithful people, O Lord, life is
changed, not ended; and when our mortal body doth lie in
death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the
heavens.

Holy Eucharist I    349


A Penitential Order: Rite Two

For use at the beginning of the Liturgy, or as a separate service.

A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.

The people standing, the Celebrant says

 Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
PeopleAnd blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever.
Amen.

In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost

CelebrantAlleluia. Christ is risen.
PeopleThe Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

In Lent and on other penitential occasions

CelebrantBless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
PeopleHis mercy endures for ever.

When used as a separate service, the Exhortation, page 316, may be
read, or a homily preached.

The Decalogue may be said, the people kneeling.

The Celebrant may read one of the following sentences

Jesus said, “The first commandment is this: Hear, O Israel:
The Lord your God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your
God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your
mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love
your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment
greater than these.”    Mark 12:29-31

Penitential Order II    351


If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the
truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is
faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness.    1 John 1:8,9

Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the
heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us with confidence draw
near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and
find grace to help in time of need.    Hebrews 4:14,16

The Deacon or Celebrant then says

Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Minister and People

Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned against you
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in your will,
and walk in your ways,
to the glory of your Name. Amen.

352    Penitential Order II


The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands and says

Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins
through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all
goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you
in eternal life. Amen.

A deacon or lay person using the preceding form substitutes “us” for
“you” and “our” for “your.”

When this Order is used at the beginning of the Liturgy, the service
continues with the Gloria in excelsis, the Kyrie eleison, or the Trisagion.

When used separately, it concludes with suitable prayers, and the Grace
or a blessing.

Penitential Order II    353