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From
the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a
journey and initiation in several stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or
slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present:
proclamation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion,
profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and
admission to Eucharistic communion. This initiation has varied greatly through
the centuries according to circumstances. In the first centuries of the Church,
Christian initiation saw considerable development. A long period of
catechumenate included a series of preparatory rites, which were liturgical
landmarks along the path of catechumenal preparation and culminated in the
celebration of the sacraments of Christian
initiation. (Catechism
of the Catholic
Church 1229, 1230)
The
RCIA program is going to begin at St. Olaf on Sunday September 25th following
the 10:00 am Mass. At these classes, we will teach the fundamentals of
Catholicism. For those are preparing to receive the Easter sacraments of
baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, the process, which will run from September
until late April, 2007, is divided up into five periods:
The
Period of Inquiry This
is when people can ask questions to get an idea about Catholicism.
The
Period of the Catechumenate This
period is a more intense preparation for entry into the Church. Those preparing
for Easter sacraments
learn about scriptures, Jesus Christ, the sacraments and the Church and begin to
advance on their journey toward Christ.
The
Period of Purification or Illumination
This period corresponds
with the time of Lent. It is the six-week preparation time for Easter. It
becomes the praying time for those who are to become Catholic known as the
Elect. The period begins with the Rite of Election, celebrated at the Basilica
of St. Mary. This rite accepts them as candidates for the sacraments by the
Bishop, representing the fact that this decision is not theirs alone.
Celebrating
the Sacraments of Initiation
The sacraments of initiation
are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. The Easter Vigil is an extended night watch
of prayer, singing, and hearing the Word of God. By the waters of baptism, a
person passes into the new life of grace and becomes a member of the Body of
Christ. Those who are already baptized are confirmed and participation at the
table of the Lord in the Eucharist marks full membership in the church.
The
Period of Mystagogy
This period follows Easter and is an opportunity
for those who have shared in the sacraments of initiation to reflect on what
they have gone through and look to the future. This period reminds the whole
Church that life in Christ constantly calls us to grow and to look for new ways
to live the life of grace, personally and together.
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This
weekend there are information sessions
for those who are interested in joining the RCIA process. They will be held in
Fleming Hall following the 4:00 pm Mass on Saturday, September 16
and after all Masses on Sunday the 17.
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