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Gathering Rites for the Paschal Cycle

Gathering Rites for the Paschal Cycle offers seasonal options for the opening of the Holy Eucharist during Lent and Easter. Developed through the “Becoming the Story We Tell” project and later approved by the Council of the General Synod for trial use and evaluation, these rites support a renewed baptismal focus in parish worship.

The Lenten rites provide two penitential options rooted in the baptismal covenant, while the Easter rite centres on thanksgiving for baptism. Together, they help communities enter more deeply into the paschal journey through prayer, confession, praise and baptismal renewal.

Suggested uses

  • Seasonal planning for Lent and Easter
  • Parish liturgy teams seeking baptismally centred worship practices
  • Study and discussion with clergy, liturgical ministers or worship committees

Key themes

  • Baptismal identity and renewal
  • Seasonal preparation and celebration
  • Penitence, thanksgiving and joy

Best suited for: Clergy, worship leaders, liturgy committees and parishes planning seasonal worship.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.