The Easter Vigil is the usual time to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) with Adults. The Easter Season is therefore the time for post-baptismal catechesis or ‘mystagogy’ with the newly baptised or ‘neophytes’.
This is a time for the community and the neophytes together to grow in deepening their grasp of the paschal mystery and in making it part of their lives through meditation on the Gospel, sharing in the eucharist, and in doing works of charity.
RCIA 234
In many communities and dioceses the Easter Season is a privileged time to celebrate the Sacraments of First Communion and Baptism.
Father,
you give your Church
constant growth
by adding new members
to your family.
Help us put into action
in our lives
the baptism
we have received in faith
Roman Missal
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics
Especially on World Day of Prayer for Vocations — 4th Sunday of Easter
The World Day of Prayer for Vocations is held each year on the Fourth Sunday of Easter. In the Gospel of John read on this Sunday, in each of the three years, Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd who has come so that people may have life to the full, the one who lays down his life for his sheep, the one who knows his sheep — they recognise his voice.
There may be a collection.
Father,
in your plan for our salvation
you provide shepherds for your people.
Fill your Church with the spirit
of courage and love.
Raise up worthy ministers
of your altars
and ardent but gentle servants
of the gospel.
Roman Missal
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics
Especially on Pentecost
Throughout the Season of Easter the first reading at Mass is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. Luke tells the story of the early Church from the Ascension and Pentecost to the early missions of the apostles.
When the work which the Father gave the Son to do on earth was accomplished, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that he might continually sanctify the Church.” Then “the Church was openly displayed to the crowds and the spread of the Gospel among the nations, through preaching, was begun.” As the “convocation” of all men for salvation, the Church in her very nature is missionary, sent by Christ to all the nations to make disciples of them.
Catechism 767
Those who with God’s help have welcomed Christ’s call and freely responded to it are urged on by love of Christ to proclaim the Good News everywhere in the world. This treasure, received from the apostles, has been faithfully guarded by their successors. All Christ’s faithful are called to hand it on from generation to generation, by professing the faith, by living it in fraternal sharing, and by celebrating it in liturgy and prayer.
Catechism 3
God our Father,
in all the churches
scattered throughout the world
you show forth the one, holy,
catholic and apostolic Church.
Through the gospel
and the eucharist
bring your people together
in the Holy Spirit
and guide us in love.
Make us a sign of your love
for all people,
and help us show forth
the living presence of Christ
in the world.
Roman Missal
one of the following may be used or adapted according to local needs
may be used when permitted – see Table of Rubrics