By Frank Wessling
The most fortunate Catholics live in a parish where the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (regularly referred to as the RCIA) is alive and well. Especially during Lent they can witness the brave action of people walking open-eyed into the heart of God as Catholics while leaving an old life behind.
As witnesses, the rest of us are influenced by this. The people taking that action appear by their manner to be doing a very good and deep thing. Shouldn’t we think, and feel, more seriously about it along with them?
The RCIA is actually a set of rites: rituals that gradually mark and celebrate the movement of newcomers into the Church. There is a welcoming ceremony, a blessing and dedication of each person’s human capabilities, from speech to walking, and a declaration that the catechumens are the “elect” of God when they commit to maintaining this faith journey. Then, during the middle of Lent, come the scrutinies, the third and last of which is done this Sunday.
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