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April 11, 2009.  The Great Easter Vigil.  The Vigil begins outside, with the blessing of the new fire.  The fire symbolizes the light of Christ, rising in glory in the holy night of Easter. Photo © www.photobymike.com The Archbishop lights the Paschal candle from the newly-blessed fire. Photo © www.photobymike.com Inside the Cathedral, the blessed light is spread to the entire assembly. Photo © www.photobymike.com After the long vigil of readings, psalms, and prayers, the Cathedral is illuminated and the candles at the altar are lit. Photo © www.photobymike.com We have not sung the Alleluia for six long weeks.  Now, Father Ryan says, "Most Reverend Father, I bring you a message of great joy, the message of Alleluia." Photo © www.photobymike.com Photo © www.photobymike.com Photo © www.photobymike.com After the homily, Father Ryan calls forward our fifteen candidates chosen for the Easter sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Photo © www.photobymike.com During the solemn chanting of the Litany of Saints, the Cathedral servers lead the ministers to the font for the Blessing of Water. Photo © www.photobymike.com Archbishop asks of the Elect the ancient Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith. Photo © www.photobymike.com Director of Religious Education Helen Oesterle (right) with Master of Ceremonies Celeste McDonell witness the profession of faith.  For the RCIA Team, who have worked with many of these candidates for as long as two years, this is a proud moment. Photo © www.photobymike.com One by one, the candidates are led down into the font. Photo © www.photobymike.com The sponsor introduces the candidate to the Archbishop. Photo © www.photobymike.com "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Photo © www.photobymike.com Photo © www.photobymike.com Coming out of the font, the newly-baptized are, it has been said, living, breathing icons of the risen Christ. Photo © www.photobymike.com After the baptisms, the sponsors wait at the altar for the entrance of the newly baptized. Photo © www.photobymike.com Now clothed in white robes, the newly-baptized enter the Cathedral.  The baptismal garment is an outward sign that in baptism, they have become a new creation. Photo © www.photobymike.com The newly-baptized receive the sacrament of Confirmation, the gift of the Holy Spirit. Photo © www.photobymike.com The newly-confirmed now spread the light to the entire assembly.  Photo © www.photobymike.com Photo © www.photobymike.com Now we renew our own baptismal promises, and are sprinkled with the baptismal water. Photo © www.photobymike.com Deacon David Olsen prays the General Intercessions. Photo © www.photobymike.com The Neophytes ("newly born") join the assembly around the table of the Lord for the first time. Photo © www.photobymike.com Congratulations to our fifteen neophytes! Photo © www.photobymike.com