Adult Baptisms during the RCIA Mass

Students filled St. Ignatius Church on the Fourth Sunday of Easter to witness nine fellow Eagles receive the Sacraments of Initiation during the RCIA Mass. Father Joseph Appleyard, SJ celebrated the Mass in which six students were baptized. Fathers Donald MacMillan, SJ and Anthony Penna, director of Campus Ministry, concelebrated the liturgy.

Receiving all three Sacraments of Initiation were Katlyn Beaver, Samuel Hay, Neil Hood, Yvette Ramirez, Alexander Riyadi, and Kimberly Sykes. Lauren Haumesser, Caitlin Mead, and Kristin Moran celebrated Confirmation.

The nine students, including a BC Law student, participated in a two-semester program of preparation, called the Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This included weekly meetings, individual spiritual journeys, and retreats. Sister Mary Sweeney, SC coordinates the BC RCIA program.

RCIA, established during the Second Vatican Council and promulgated by Pope Paul VI, is the vehicle for adults to enter the Church. According to Sr. Mary, it is the Church’s approach to “restoring the catechumenate as a significant part of the journey toward participation in the life of the Church.”

At BC, the RCIA participants meet weekly for two hours to learn about the faith. Each week they address a different topic about Catholic belief and practice. “We prepare for the following Sunday’s liturgy by reading and discussing the Scriptures for that liturgy. We close with prayer,” explained Sr. Mary. The weekly meetings also give the participants time to reflect on the past week and the growth experienced in faith. “Over the two semesters, the participants form a community where they feel comfortable discussing their questions and their concerns and insights.”

During the Lenten season, the Rights of Preparation are celebrated to invite the participants, now called catechumens, into the worshiping community, their new spiritual home, and increase the sense of belonging. The First and Second Scrutinies, along with the Presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer make up these Rites.

During spiritual formation and preparation for the sacraments, the catechumens choose a sponsor. A sponsor is an active Catholic that is willing to be a companion to someone going through the RCIA process. They serve as Godparents for catechumens receiving Baptism.

Usually, the RCIA catechumens receive the sacraments at Easter Vigil Mass during the Easter Triduum. At BC, the Campus Ministry RCIA Mass is celebrated a few Sundays after Easter so that the whole community can come together to support their fellow students and welcome them into the faith family.

Fr. Appleyard opened the Mass with a reflection on the Scripture readings for the day, explaining the Old Testament images of lambs and the shepherd and their relevance for the Sacraments. The Responsorial Psalm, “We are God’s people, the flock of the Lord,” echoed this same theme.

Following the Gospel reading from John, the Liturgy Arts Group led a singing of the Litany of the Saints, asking for the intercession of all holy men and women. The candidates for Baptism and their sponsors then proceeded to the Baptismal font where Fr. Appleyard poured the Holy Water over their heads. As each catechumen was baptized, the LAG sang “Alive! Alive in Christ Jesus! Alive! New life from the dead! Alive! For death has no power! We are alive with God!”

All the catechumens gathered on the altar to receive candles lit from the Paschal Candle. “You have been lighted by Christ. Keep the light in your heart,” prayed Fr. Appleyard. These candles were decorated to resemble the Paschal Candle and represent the Light of Christ in the lives of the newly baptized. Each member of the congregation was given a small candle to light to be in solidarity.

The remaining catechumens joined the newly baptized for Confirmation. They were anointed by the Chrism and the church erupted in applause to show support for the new brothers and sisters in faith. After the Eucharistic Prayer and Consecration, the catechumens celebrated their First Eucharist and completed their Sacraments of Initiation.

The entire LAG, a full church of support and love, and the joy of the Sacraments made for a beautiful service. The BC community welcomes these new Catholics into the community with open hearts and arms. May God grant them strength to follow Christ with resolute hearts.

Related Articles:

1. BC Students Honor 9/11 Hero Welles Crowther At the recent BC football game verses...
2. BC Students Honor Welles Crowther, ’99 At the recent BC football game versus...