Diocese of New Ulm - April 2007

"Light of Christ" proclaims the priest or deacon in song at the Easter Vigil. This light dispelling the darkness is one of the many rich symbols of this great liturgy. And symbols teach – for those who experience them. How do we get children and families to this liturgy in the first place? In addition, how do we break open and reflect upon these liturgies during the Easter season? Let us examine these questions to see how it can increase the faith life within our parishes, Catholic schools and the households of our parishes.

Invitation

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) has an impact beyond those who celebrate the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. A full implementation of the rite can influence the entire parish. The parish can provide opportunities for parishioners, students in the catechetical programs, Catholic school students, and entire families to meet catechumens and candidates going through the RCIA. Some places they might meet include parish festivals, school events, all-parish catechetical assemblies, and involvement with parish ministries or social action. Perhaps the family or a class can send a card of prayer and support. Families and classes can also remember catechumens and candidates in prayer.

 

Many people will also want to welcome these newcomers into the Church at the Easter Vigil. However, we cannot assume that this will naturally happen. We need to actively invite people to the Easter Vigil, including:

- all families,

- all students,

- all candidates for first Holy Communion and Confirmation,

- all parishioners.

 

The pastor, pastoral leaders, catechetical leaders, catechists, youth leaders, and parents are key people who can invite ensuring that this liturgy is not sparsely populated, but overflowing with people. What a wonderful welcome this can be for those coming into the church! Moreover, what a wonderful experience for everyone participating in this liturgy!

Mystagogy

The 50 days of Easter is the traditional time of mystagogy. It is the period of time for the newly baptized (the neophytes) and those other Christians who are new members of our Church to reflect upon the experience of initiation at the Easter Vigil and the whole of their initiation process. It is a time for them to reflect and learn about the sacraments they celebrated, it is a time for them to live the Gospel more fully, and it is a time for them to become acclimated to the ministries in the parish and to be more involved in society. 

The mystagogical period can also be a time for all us to reflect upon the messages, the images, and the experiences of Holy Week, especially the Easter Vigil. We catechists, parents, teachers, and pastoral leaders need to invite all parishioners, young and old, to reflect upon these experiences.

In the Parish

For those parishes with the traditional catechetical program, schedule class time to reflect upon the experiences of the Easter Vigil. For those who did not experience the Easter Vigil, it may become a moment of evangelization because the other children or youth can share their experiences of the Easter Vigil with them. Some questions you might ask include:

- How was this liturgy different from other liturgies?

- Describe as much as you can the different things that happened at the Easter Vigil.

- What is the meaning behind the fire outside (the first fire) and the lighting of the Paschal candle?

- How many readings were there and which reading do you remember? Which reading had a message for you?

Perhaps one of the neophytes or newcomers can come to your class to share their experience.

For those parishes with whole community, intergenerational catechetical assemblies, or adult faith opportunities, provide a special welcome for the neophytes and other newcomers. Use part of your session to have people share their own experiences of Holy Week and the Easter Vigil in small groups. Share questions such as:

- During Holy Week or during the Easter Vigil, what had the greatest impact upon you and why?

- How do you continue the celebration of Easter at home?

- During the Easter Vigil, how is baptism and water reflective of the Paschal Mystery?

- How can you continue to welcome the neophytes and newcomers?

- How can you continue to invite people to join our Church?

In the Catholic school

If there are any students who came into the Church, have a special party in their honor. Use the religion class to share about the experience of Holy Week and the Easter Vigil. For those students who are not Catholic but Christian, give them also an opportunity to share their experiences of Easter. Invite the neophyte or newcomer to the religion class to share his or her experience of being welcomed into the community. Share some of the same questions proposed for the parish catechetical program.

In the home

Pray for the neophytes and newcomers during the family prayer times. Invite one of the neophytes or newcomers to visit you and share a meal. Share about the experiences of Holy Week and the Easter Vigil during the Easter season at mealtimes or car rides. Research and rediscover Easter traditions that your ancestors did, or create new traditions to link your faith experiences to your daily life. Incorporate Easter songs and Easter themes to your meal prayer.

When we encourage these activities within our parishes, schools and homes, we will notice the increase of faith life within our people. We also notice that it will spill over into the other times of the year because the people will want to become actively involved. It may be a gradual process, but we must allow the Light of Christ to shine in all arenas of Church life, enabling more people to encounter Christ and for the Light to dispel the dark corners of our society.

Bryan Reising is director of Religious Education/Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of New Ulm.

This article and other informative catechetical articles can be found in the April/May 2007 edition of Religion Teachers Journal (RTJ).