Easter Sunday

As the high point of the liturgical year, Easter Sunday stands out in several ways.  After the austerity, fasting, and penance of Lent, on the first Sunday of Eastertime, the organ sounds again; the choir sings with full voice; and special songs are used.

After the Second Reading, on both Easter Sunday and Pentecost Sunday, a special hymn is sung by the congregation, the Sequence.  On other days, the Sequence is optional; on these two days, it is required.  Now, once again, we sing the Alleluia before the Gospel.  Incense may be used at both the Gospel and the Preparation of the Gifts.  On Easter Sunday, instead of the Creed, there is a dialogue for the profession of faith, followed by a sprinkling, accompanied by an appropriate hymn.  A special song may be added to the liturgy, for example, the Hallelujah Chorus after the Communion hymn.  Finally, at the end of Mass, the solemn dismissal is sung, with the double Alleluia.