Church of the Sacred Heart

The Easter Season

Did you know that Easter is not just one day? That's right, it's an entire season, the second longest one of the liturgical calendar. You may have heard of the Octave of Easter, which begins with Easter Sunday and ends 8 days later, on Divine Mercy Sunday. However, the Easter Season is 50 days long.  This 50 day period is called Eastertide, and ends on the feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles. You can find this account in Scripture, Acts 2:1-31. There are many important events that occur during the Easter Season, including Divine Mercy Sunday and Ascension Thursday, which is a holy day of obligation. 

Divine Mercy Sunday takes place the Sunday after Easter. This year, it occurs on Sunday April 7, 2024. We are reminded of God's unending Divine Mercy for us. 

Easter Liturgies

As you look around during Mass, you'll see many of your fellow parishioners in bright colors and beautiful outfits. Take a look at your church and even the priest's vestments, which are also beautifully decorated. The liturgical color of the Easter season is white, and sometimes you will see gold decorations and vestments. This is a much welcome break from the purple that is worn during Lent. You'll also notice that we are back to singing both the Gloria and Alleluia (before the Gospel), both of which are not part of Lenten liturgies.

On Easter Sunday, we renew our baptismal promises during Mass. This replaces the Act of Penitence and there is the Sprinkling Rite. The presider sprinkles holy water throughout the congregation, often using a small stick-like item known as an aspergillum. 

Finally, worshippers may notice a small change in the language used during the prayers of the faithful. Sometimes, prayers will use “We pray to the risen Lord” as a nod to the Easter season.

In general, prayers during Easter are especially celebratory. Easter is a joyous time, so we should be celebrating and wishing each other a Happy Easter the entire Easter Season.

Easter Prayers

In joyous times, it’s important to remain close to God, giving Him thanks for all the ways He blesses us. Therefore finding time for prayer during any moment of celebration is important. When the celebration is Easter, this is especially true. You can offer Easter prayers during Easter day and throughout Easter season. Consider reflecting on the miracle of Easter and other radiant miracles that have occurred throughout the Church’s history.

Consider praying the Rosary every day. You can also pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet (and Novena). Say the Memorare, Hail Mary, or Our Father. 

You can even use a prayer app called Hallow to help you get into a regular prayer routine. There is also an app called Formed, which has many resources for Catholic people to dig deeper into their faith. 

Easter Wishes: How to Wish Someone Happy Easter

“Happy Easter!” Texts, calls, emails and social media posts keep our phones buzzing with friends and family sharing messages.

You may look to extend Easter greetings during Eastertide, but not know what to say. The most important thing to remember is that the sentiment and thought is much more important than the exact wording! Here are some examples of what you can say to wish someone a Happy Easter:

• He is risen! Happy Easter to you and all your loved ones.
• Wishing you a day filled with joy and God’s peace.
• When I think of how blessed I am, I immediately think of you. Happy Easter!
• All the best to you and your loved ones today and throughout the entire Easter season!
• The tomb is empty! Happy Easter!
• Although we’re not together physically, we’re united in the Resurrection. Have a blessed day and a wonderful Easter.
• Felices Pascuas (Spanish)
• Buona Pasqua (Italian)
• Wesołych Świąt (Polish)
• Feliz Páscoa (Portuguese)
• May the Risen Lord bless you on this special day.
• May the peace of Christ be with you today and all days. Happy Easter!