For Easter Vigil, Year A, the readings are Genesis 1:1—2:2; Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35; Genesis 22:1-18; Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11; Exodus 14:15—15:1; Exodus 15:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18; Isaiah 54:5-14; Psalm 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13; Isaiah 55:1-11; Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4; Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28; Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4; Romans 6:3-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23; and Matthew 28:1-10. Suggested hymns: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (gathering), Christ Arose (preparation of the gifts), The Strife Is O'er, the Battle Done (Communion), Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (sending forth).
Hymn suggestions
Public-domain hymns that draw on this Mass’s readings or share their themes. Each plays in any key, with slides and large print.
Gathering
- Jesus Christ Is Risen TodayJesus Christ is ris'n todayDraws on the Gospel: Matthew 28:6
- How Can I Keep From Singing?My life flows on in endless songDraws on the psalm: Psalm 33:1–9
- O Day of Rest and GladnessO day of rest and gladnessDraws on the first reading: Genesis 2:2–3
Preparation of the Gifts
- Christ AroseLow in the grave He layDraws on the Gospel: Matthew 28:6
- I Know That My Redeemer LivesI know that my Redeemer livesSame chapter as the psalm: Psalm 104:1-2, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35
- Now Thank We All Our GodNow thank we all our GodDraws on the Epistle: Romans 6:7
Communion
- The Strife Is O'er, the Battle DoneThe strife is o'er, the battle doneDraws on the psalm: Isaiah 12:1–6
- Whiter Than SnowLord Jesus, I long to be perfectly wholeDraws on the psalm: Psalm 51:1–12
- Crown Him With Many CrownsCrown Him with many crownsTheme: victory, salvation
Sending Forth
- Christ the Lord Is Risen TodayChrist, the Lord, is risen todayDraws on the Gospel: Matthew 28:5–6
- Open Now Thy Gates of BeautyOpen now thy gates of beautyDraws on the psalm: Psalm 118:19–26
- Jesus Is All the World to MeJesus is all the world to meDraws on the psalm: Psalm 33:1–22
Make a music plan for this Mass