Exploring More Misunderstandings About The RCIA
This week, we continue our look at the RCIA.
Another misunderstanding is that the goal of the RCIA is baptism. A high school student once approached me, after his younger sister was baptized, confirmed, and celebrated Eucharist on Holy Saturday, asking if he could be baptized. We talked about the meaning of baptism and he said, “Oh, I just want to be baptized. I don’t want to join the Church.” This kind of thinking contradicts the meaning of the Sacraments of Baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist, which are called “the third step” (par. 206). A step, of course, is a means to something else.
The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist – by their very name and nature as “Sacraments of Initiation” – imply that they initiate an individual into something. They are not just things we receive, and then we continue living as usual. This is true of adults and infants. If the goal of the RCIA is baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, these sacraments can easily be looked upon as a sort of graduation ceremony. When they are celebrated, the journey is completed.
The General Introduction to the RCIA ritual states: “Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people. This first sacrament…brings us to the dignity of adopted children, a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit. Hence we are…children of God. By signing us with the gift of the Spirit, confirmation makes us more completely the image of the Lord and fills us with the Holy Spirit, so we may bear witness to him before the world… Finally, coming to the table of the Eucharist, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man so we may have eternal life and show forth the unity of God’s people. By offering ourselves with Christ, we share in the universal sacrifice, that is, the entire community of the redeemed offered to God by their High Priest, and we pray for a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit, so that the whole human race may be brought into the unity of God’s family…” (par. 2).
As recognition that these Sacraments initiate individuals into the life of the Church, something else is expected of parishioners. Their fellow parishioners are to offer them a “full and joyful welcome into the community” (par. 246) and foster closer and deeper ties with them. Of course, this welcome should have been taking place already during the Inquiry period, when potential new members expressed interest in joining the church – parishioners should “welcome them into their homes, into personal conversation, and into community gatherings” (par. 9.1). Too often we stand off from new members (or guests) gathering only with parishioners we know. The RCIA challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones to practice hospitality.
The RCIA’s goal is not baptism, but initiation into the church and faithful participation in the Church’s sacramental life, its other activities, and ministries. This is true of all sacraments. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is not an end in itself. We receive forgiveness of our sins reuniting us with the Church and to become more forgiving. The Anointing of the Sick is for healing of body, mind or spirit so we may continue living the Gospel; or the grace to carry our cross with Christ; or the greatest healing of going to heaven. The wedding day is not the goal of the Sacrament of Marriage; the goal is the union of husband and wife, who form a new family; whose involvement in the Church strengthens our parishes. Those ordained a deacon or priest are called to be of service to God’s people, not for their own honor and glory.
Sacraments are means to something greater.
