Q: For the last several years at this parish, the candles held by the faithful during the Lucernarium at the Easter Vigil have been collected after the Exultet, but before the Liturgy of the Word begins. The rationale for collecting them early is fear of wax dripping on the pew cushions. Because the candles are collected, they are not relit during the Renewal of Baptismal Promises as indicated in the Roman Missal. Logistically, collecting the candles after the Exultet puts quite a long pause before the Liturgy of the Word begins. Last year, there was a 5-7 minute pause in the liturgy while candles were collected. Perhaps more importantly, the richness of recalling our own baptism and receiving the light of Christ is greatly diminished by not relighting candles at this moment in the liturgy. I would love for our community to renew its commitment to enacting these ritual dynamics in their fullness. I’ll gladly pass along any encouragement or logistical advice to our pastoral team!

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A: We let people hang onto them and relight them for the renewal of promises. I’m the wrong one to ask about wax drips on pews and cushions. I think they look great all year long.

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