Easter Vigil initiates RCIA journey

Conversion rite signals a beginning, not ending - Hofmann

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

Hoffman spoke to 43 RCIA parish teams during a Sept.14 workshop on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at the Pastoral Centre.

"Sometimes we think RCIA is a program and not a process. That's why we build up to the Easter Vigil which is the high point that sometimes is seen as the graduation," Hofman explained.

RCIA is a life-changing, spiritual and study process through which adults convert to the Catholic faith.

The year-long study culminates with Easter Vigil when RCIA is celebrated. But it's also the beginning or the continuation of the lifelong process of what it means to be Catholic. The spiritual journey goes on until the day that we are called to be with God in eternal life, the priest explained.

Hofman was not sure how the graduation or ending image evolved.

"I think it's a cultural thing to see the end. We presumed when we have a big celebration, that's the end. You build up to that," he told the WCR.

In the liturgical celebration, Easter Vigil is the high point.

"However, we continue to journey," reminded Hofman.

He believes to view Easter Vigil as the RCIA graduation "is not really a bad image. But the more we experience and learn about the sacraments, we are responding to and sometimes correcting some images."

During the workshop, Hofman discussed theological aspects of RCIA and reviewed the liturgical rite.

"As a team member, the spiritual development I see from our inquirers gives me inspiration that helps my own spiritual development. - Ed Burchmore

Sherwood Park's Ed Burchmore went through the RCIA process five years ago. He was asked to come back as a RCIA team member and possibly be a sponsor. He agreed, saying he thought and felt he had only begun to learn and could learn more about his faith by being involved and going through the cycle again.

"It's a life-giving experience," said the convert from the United Church. "As a team member, the spiritual development I see from our inquirers gives me inspiration that helps my own spiritual development.

" It's like a process of osmosis."

Sister Bernadene Bokenfohr came back to be involved in RCIA at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Camrose because she wants to witness how people are called to become Catholic.

"I love to journey with people who want to find out about the faith and the Church."

Convert Amelia Mio, from Mary Help of Christians Parish, wants to do the same. "Because I am a Catholic now, I want to help others to find their faith in God too."

Camrose's Dennis Shebanuk has been ministering with the RCIA since 1989, two years after he became Catholic.

He too has watched people grow through their faith. He's also watched as people endure hardships such as driving in the bad weather of Central Alberta for hours just to get to RCIA sessions.

"If people encounter bad weather, what we try to do is to have a one-on-one meeting with them just in case they missed some sessions."

As the workshop concluded, the parish teams were blessed and commissioned to do their ministry.

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