Easter Vigil is the long, beautiful service in which the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults culminates—catechumens are baptized, people are being received into full communion with the church, and all is festivity and celebration and joy. But what about communities in which there are no baptisms?  Isn’t that like trying to celebrate a birthday party when no one’s actually having a birthday?

College communities, for instance. Even if Easter doesn’t coincide with Spring break, catechumens who have made the catechumenal journey during college usually go home to be baptized in their home communities. Small faith communities, parishes composed mostly of older adults, religious communities—there are many such situations, and in them, a change of emphasis is required.

The first part of the Vigil proceeds as usual—the Blessing of the Fire, the Procession with the Easter candle, the singing of the Exsultet. In the Liturgy of the Word, look for ways to involve the assembly in the readings themselves, and choose psalms settings that are vigorous and evocative. (In a non-monastic community, one chant setting after another after another can be, well, deadly.)

When there are no baptisms the Litany of the Saints is omitted. Why? Don’t the baptized need to remember they are part of the community of holy women and men who’ve gone before? If there are no baptisms, make a bigger deal of the Blessing of Water and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. Even young children can join in these with gusto.

Be careful that the intricacies of the first part and the Liturgy of the Word don’t overshadow the Liturgy of the Eucharist to the point where it feels anticlimactic! Don’t dress the altar until the Preparation of Gifts, and then let out all the stops: have a wide variety of people bring up flowers, altar cloth, banners, and all the signs of celebration. Make it highly visual and nonverbal.

And, of course, throughout, choose music that’s special for the community, music they love, music that to them says “Celebrate!” A judicious balance of engaging assembly music and evocative choral music will do much to make the celebration meaningful for the community.

It’s not just about following the book doggedly.