Easter Vigil Not The End For RCIA Candidates
Holy Week became the “holiest week” for several new members of our parish this year. In remembering the historical washing of the disciples’ feet, Jesus’ crucifixion, his Passover from this life to the Father, and the glorious celebration of Easter, we tried to instill within them that these events were also taking place in their lives and the lives of all Christians TODAY. This is true because “our lives are hidden in Christ” as St. Paul proclaims. I believe we must involve them in all the Holy Week Services so that this also becomes their “holiest week,” thus being encouraged to return in following years. Now how is this possible?
On Holy Thursday, we washed the feet of those who entered the Church this past year through Profession of Faith, Confirmation and Eucharist, along with those being baptized on Holy Saturday. Instead of picking “representatives” from parish groups, we wanted to hand on to them the example we have received from Christ.
On Good Friday, they helped me carry the cross in procession and held the cross during the veneration. They saw on the faces and in the gestures of our Catholics the love God’s people have for the Crucified One.
On Holy Saturday, wearing black garments symbolizing their old way of life, they entered the baptismal bath. I went in ahead of them – for no Christian walks the journey alone – and helped them into the water. They definitely felt cleansed of their sins and the outpouring of God’s love upon them after three pitchers of water came showering down upon them. After each baptism, the church applauded and with the choir sang “Alleluia.” Then they changed into their white baptismal garments and were confirmed in the Holy Spirit.
I cannot wait to meet with them for “Mystagogy,” to have them share where they experienced God’s grace touching their lives. Several have already done so in private. As the RCIA ritual says “Mystagogy introduces them to a fuller understanding of the mysteries through their experience of the sacraments they have received. For they have truly been renewed in mind, tasted more deeply the sweetness of God’s word, received the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and grown to know the goodness of the Lord. Out of this experience, which belongs to all Christians and increases as it is lived, they also derive a new perception of the faith, of the Church, and of the world” (par 245).
The RCIA ritual continues with the awareness that the sacraments are never only for those who receive them. As our parishioners experience new Catholics joining our faith communities and hear about their experiences of how God touched them during this Holy Week, we “old-timers” “in turn should derive from them a renewal of inspiration and of outlook” (par 246). Now how can our new members’ experiences during Holy Week or on Holy Saturday be communicated to the whole parish to inspire their faith?
Some ideas: 1) we can invite our new members (the courageous, extroverted types) to share their experiences following communion; 2) the homilist can interweave their experiences into his homily during the Easter Season without using names unless permission is given; 3) we can share their stories in the bulletin; 4) we can post their stories on the parish website so that others (including, perhaps, unchurched or unbaptized people) might read them. Thus we are “Evangelizing” – and in many other creative ways.
The RCIA ritual is very clear about Mystagogy – after Easter, the sessions for our new members take place primarily during the Sunday Liturgy throughout the Easter Season (par 247). “Special places are to be reserved for them and their godparents…. The homily and … the general intercessions should take into account the presence and needs of our new members” (par 248). Although it is still a good idea to gather them together occasionally during Easter and throughout the following year, we are now to integrate them into the community.
