Psalms For Holy Saturday

The Easter Vigil celebrates the first light of resurrection and salvation. The new Paschal candle is carried into the church. For the first time since Lent began the alleluias are sung in honor of the Risen Christ. New Catholics are initiated through the reception of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Easter Vigil

1. After the 1st Reading (Genesis 1:1 - 2:2)

   • Psalm 103 (1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35. R: cf. v.30) Version 1

   • Psalm 103 (1-2, 5-6, 10, 12-14, 24, 35. R: cf. v.30) Version 2

   • Psalm 32 (4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20, 22. R: v.5) Version 1

2. After the 2nd Reading (Genesis 22:1-8)

   • Psalm 15 (5, 8-11. R: v.1) Version 1

3. After the 3rd Reading (Exodus 14:15 - 15:1)

   • Ex. 15 (1-6, 17-18. R: v.1) Version 1

4. After the 4th Reading (Isaiah 54:5-14)

   • Psalm 29 (2, 4-6, 11-13. R: v.2) Version 1

5. After the 5th Reading (Isaiah 55:1-11)

   • Is. 12 (2-6. R: v.3) Version 1

6. After the 6th Reading (Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4)

   • Psalm 18 (8-11. R: Jn 6:69) Version 1

7. After the 7th Reading (Ezekiel 36:16-28)

   • Psalms 41 & 42 (41:3, 5; 42:3, 4. R: 41:2) Version 1

   • Psalm 50 (12-15, 18, 19. R: v.12) Version 1

8. After the 1st Reading of Easter Night (Romans 6:3-11)

   • Psalm 117 (1-2, 16-17, 22-23.) Version 1

   • Psalm 117 (1-2, 16-17, 22-23.) Version 2

9. Litany of the Saints

   1. Ver. 1

   2. Ver. 2

   3. Ver. 3

Version 1 Notes
This psalm was written in a mixture of Russian and Mexican style. It is more suited for a male choir. However, a female solo for the response and male choir for the verses is recommended.

Musical Instrumentation
For the response, the Hammond Organ is used, supported by the String Ensemble 1 and Electric Bass Fingering tones, and Drums. For the verses, the Hammond Organ is also used, supported by the Brass Section and Electric Bass Pick tones, and Drums.

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Version 1 Notes
This alternative psalm was written in a 60s and 70s style. It was written especially for a female choir, though a mixture of male and female singers would blend well.

Musical Instrumentation
For the response, the Oboe is used, supported by the Grand Piano and Electric Bass Fingering tones, and Drums. For the verses, the Acoustic Nylon Guitar is used, supported by the Grand Piano and Electric Bass Pick tones, and Drums.

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Version 1 Notes
This psalm was written in a traditional Malay "keroncong" style. The actual drum beat for this style of playing needs to be programmed into the electronic organ, or a drummer with the proper drum set may be needed.

Musical Instrumentation
For the response and verses, the Flute tone is used, supported by the String Ensemble 1and Acoustic Bass tones, and Drums.

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Version 1 Notes
This psalm was written in a grand military style, with heavy emphasis on the Brass Section and Drums, to commemorate a great victory made possible by Yahweh against Pharaoh's army.

Musical Instrumentation
For the response, the Brass Section tone is used, supported by the Electric Bass Fingering tone and Drums. For the verses, the Music Box tone is used, supported by the Brass Section and Electric Bass Pick tones, and Drums.

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Version 1 Notes
This psalm was written in a 60s and 70s style, with a pinch of rock.

Musical Instrumentation
For the response, the Flute tone is used, supported by the String Ensemble 1 and Acoustic Bass tones, and Drums. For the verses, the Acoustic Nylon Guitar tone is used, supported by the String Ensemble 1 and Acoustic Bass tones, and Drums.

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Version 1 Notes
This psalm was written in a traditional Chinese style.

Musical Instrumentation
For the response, the Flute tone is used, supported by the String Ensemble 1 and Acoustic Bass tones, and Drums. For the verses, the Clarinet tone is used, supported by the String Ensemble 1 and Acoustic Bass tones, and Drums.

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Version 1 Notes
This psalm is to be sung only if there is no Baptism taking place. If there is a Baptism, use Psalm 50 instead or alternatively, Is. 12 (the responsorial psalm after the 5th reading).

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Version 1 Notes
This psalm was written in a traditional Malay "keroncong" style. The actual drum beat for this style of playing needs to be programmed into the electronic organ, or a drummer with the proper drum set may be needed.

Musical Instrumentation
For the response and verses, the Flute tone is used, supported by the Electric Bass Pick tone, and Drums.

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Version 1 Notes
This psalm was written in a traditional Malay "keroncong" style. The actual drum beat for this style of playing needs to be programmed into the electronic organ, or a drummer with the proper drum set may be needed.

Incidentally, this psalm can also be used for the Easter Sunday - Mass of the Day.

Musical Instrumentation
For the response and verses, the Flute tone is used, supported by the String Ensemble 1, Brass Section and Acoustic Bass tones, and Drums.

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Version 2 Notes
This psalm was written in a traditional Malay "dangdut" style. The actual drum beat for this style of playing needs to be programmed into the electronic organ, or a drummer with the proper drum set may be needed.

Incidentally, this psalm can also be used for the Easter Sunday - Mass of the Day.

Musical Instrumentation
For the response, the Acoustic Guitar tone is used, supported by the Acoustic Guitar and Acoustic Bass tones, and Drums. For the verses, the Flute tone is used, supported by the Acoustic Guitar and Acoustic Bass tones, and Drums.

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Version 1 Notes
This version of the Litany of the Saints has been broken into 5 Parts. For each part, the Cantor will sing first followed by the response of the Faithful. Please note the following:

1. In the 2nd Part, when the Cantor comes to the line where Saint Perpetua is mentioned, take note of the semiquavers used.
2. In the 4th Part:
   • Begin with the 2nd stave first, where the first line of lyrics is marked as #1.
   • Note that the 1st line of the 1st stave is meant to be sung only if there is a baptism. Otherwise, sing the 2nd line instead.

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Version 2 Notes
This version of the Litany of the Saints has been broken into 5 Parts. For each part, the Cantor will sing first followed by the response of the Faithful.

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Version 3 Notes
This version of the Litany of the Saints has been broken into 5 Parts. For each part, the Cantor will sing first followed by the response of the Faithful.

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