In the Roman Rite, the Easter Vigil consist of four parts: the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, Christian Initiation & the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Service of Light symbolizes Christ passing from the darkness of the tomb to the light of new life. The congregation assembles in front of a fire which is blessed. The Easter, or Paschal, candle is lit from this fire and carried through the darkened church with smaller candles being lit from it. When the procession reaches the sanctuary, the Exsultet or Easter Proclamation is sung.
The Liturgy of the Word begins with seven readings from the Old Testament. These readings allow the congregation to meditate on the wonderful things God has done for his people from the beginning. Each reading is followed by a responsorial psalm or canticle and a short reading which relates the reading to the mystery of Christ. Following these readings, the Gloria is sung, the lights in the church are turned on and the altar candles are lit. This is followed by a reading from the Epistle to the Romans followed by Psalm 118. The Alleluia is sung for the first time since Lent began, and the Gospel is proclaimed. The Liturgy of the Word concludes with the homily.
During the celebration of Christian Initiation, new members of the Church are baptized and adult catechumens receive the sacrament of Confirmation. As part of this ceremony, a tub of water is blessed using the Easter candle. This provides holy water for the coming year. After the celebration of these sacraments, all present renew their baptismal promises and are sprinkled with holy water. The Eater Vigil then concludes with the Liturgy of the Eucharist which is celebrated as during a regular Sunday Mass. At this time, the newly baptized and confirmed receive their first Eucharist.