May 28, 2010
The Christian Journey
Looking toward the holiest week of the year
BY FATHER JIM SAUER
The RCIA Ritual’s final paragraphs contain suggestions often overlooked, probably because we have moved on to a new group of inquirers.
Paragraph 250 states, “On the anniversary of their baptism, the neophytes should be brought together to give thanks to God, to share with one another their spiritual experiences and to renew their commitment.” The best time and place for this gathering would be their participation in the following year’s Holy Week Services.
We must hope that their experience of the Holy Week attracts them to return each year to these beautiful celebrations. We must remember that in addition to our youth, our new members are also “the Church’s hope.” We must not neglect them after their initiation.
Over the years, I’ve heard Catholics and catechists make the statement “How can we expect our new members to go through these rites when those in the pews didn’t do it?” That’s precisely the reason! Do we want our parishes to remain as they are? We’re hoping that our new members will renew the faith of the Church.
Our bishops believe that the RCIA will make a difference in the faith life and church practice of our new members AND our parish communities. Otherwise why bother with implementing a new process for initiating adults if we do not hope this will produce a greater commitment from them? (Why bother with other faith building programs like Cursillio, Christ Renews His Parish, RENEW, Why Catholic — unless we believe they can renew the Church’s faith?)
How can we make the Church’s week the holiest week in the lives of our new members so they will be impressed by God’s grace and desire to return to these services for years to come? I speak only from my own experiences. On Holy Thursday, we wash only the feet of our new members. The reason is that we hand on to them the example of service we received from the Lord Jesus the night before he died. Their overall comment was “This is what the priest, RCIA ministers, sponsors, and parishioners were doing all year – washing our feet.” Symbolically God revealed this to them during that liturgy.
On Good Friday, our Elect and Candidates carried in the cross or crucifix and held it during the veneration. Some were so moved by how the Catholics expressed their love for the Lord that they shed tears during this experience. A grace-filled moment they will never forget.
On Holy Saturday morning, parishioners gathered with new members for Morning Prayer and the Preparation Rites. We professed the Nicene Creed with our Candidates. Those wanting Easter foods blessed brought them at this time.
The Easter Vigil was the “Mother of all Feasts.” By the very nature of the Vigil, our new members played a key part in the ceremony. Following the Easter Vigil, we had a delightful reception, which new members from the previous year helped to organize.
We invited our new members to return to Easter Sunday Eucharist because it focuses on Christ’s resurrection, while Holy Saturday on his Passover. Involving our new members to such an extent in Holy Week helps this week to become the holiest week of their life. There is a good possibility this week will become part of their spiritual practice.
The bishop is encouraged to celebrate the Eucharist with new members at least once during that year. New members appreciate meeting their bishop (Par. 251). This is an ideal time for a social gathering, Mass and tour of the Catholic Center. Thus, they learn that they belong to a larger church than their own parish.