As some prepare for full communion, let us all recommit ourselves to God and his Church

We often hear about those who drift away from faith in God and his Church. We may have plenty of family, friends, or coworkers who by bad experience or through a slow, steady apathy eventually decide they no longer believe in God or trust in his teachings. Maybe we’ve done our share of drifting away too.

Each year early in the Lenten season, a ceremony takes place at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo for those in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. This “Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion” is a turning point from learning about the faith in a formulaic setting to saying “yes” to a deeper, spiritual preparation for the sacraments to be received at the Easter Vigil.

These catechumens (unbaptized who will receive Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil) and candidates (baptized who will receive Confirmation and/or First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil) have attended RCIA classes for several months, asking questions and learning more about the Catholic faith. Before and during this process, God has whispered in their souls his desire to draw closer to them. They are now in the final stage, preparing to open themselves more fully to the love of God and his holy church through the sacraments.

During this “Call to Continuing Conversion,” the Bishop invites the sponsors of candidates to affirm the readiness of these candidates to receive the Church’s sacraments.

The Bishop begins the Rite, pausing after each question for the sponsors to say, “they have.” He says: “The Christian life and the demands that flow from the sacraments cannot be taken lightly. Therefore, before granting these candidates their request to share fully in the Church’s sacraments, it is important that the Church hear the testimony of their sponsors about their readiness. Have they faithfully listened to the apostles’ instruction proclaimed by the Church? Have they come to a deeper appreciate of their baptism, in which they were joined to Christ and his Church? Have they reflected sufficiently on the tradition of the Church, which is their heritage, and joined their brothers and sisters in prayer? Have they advanced in a life of love and service of others?”

These are big questions, and as the Bishop mentions, approaching the sacraments “cannot be taken lightly.” While observing this ceremony, I couldn’t help but ask myself the same questions. Have I listened to the apostles’ instruction? Do I appreciate my baptism? Have I reflected on the tradition of the Church?

As we approach Holy Week and Easter, may we also ask ourselves these questions. Let us pray for continued conversion for all the faithful, and especially for those preparing to receive the sacraments for the first time at the Easter Vigil.