Feb. 1, 2017

By Julia LaShomb
Pastorial Associate, Sacred Heart/St. Lawrence, Massena, and member of the diocesan catechumenate committee

By writing in the North Country Catholic about RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) you might think we are preaching to the choir.  We need to use a language that is understandable to those that have not been educated in the Church.  Pope Francis asks us to reach out to the lost Sheep (the strays). 

Inquiry is part of that process.  It’s all about questioning, seeking.  Where are you in your faith life?  What do you believe? Do you experience a sense of spirituality? What is your sin?  What are your expectations of God and your church community? These are questions we should all be asking of ourselves.

The Rite of Election is scheduled for March 5 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg.  Does your parish have Catechumens (un-baptized) joining the church?  Do you have Candidates to be fully initiated into the church by receiving Confirmation and Holy Communion? 

Let’s widen the question.  Does your parish have any non-active Catholics who have been away from the church and would like to get re-acquainted?  What about the adult Catholic who would like to learn more about the church and mature in their faith.

The Catechumenate process is an opportunity for all of the above.  It answers many of the questions asked about Sacraments, the Mass, Christian Social Teaching and Moral Theology.  It is an opportunity to interact on all levels.  Why keep it closed to the few being initiated during the Easter Vigil?  We all need the extra boost of a prayerful life and receiving the Sacraments regularly to build on a living relationship with Christ.

There definitely is a need for the RCIA process as part of our call to evangelize. As  practicing Catholics there is a  need to have an ongoing process of conversion to promote a loving and forgiving culture. We can only do this after first experiencing the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ for ourselves. Only then are we able to truly evangelize… going out to share the Gospel. 

Ask your pastor about RCIA.  Join a session even if it has been going on for awhile and see what it is all about.  This can be one of the most energizing times in your spiritual life.