WAKING UP CATHOLIC
Each year across the United States and other parts of the world, thousands of people wake up on Easter Sunday morning as new Catholics. By entering the Catholic Church, catechumens and candidates become part of the history of God’s plan to redeem the world by spreading the good news of the Gospel.
The RCIA process comes full circle as new Catholics are welcomed at the Easter Vigil. Although people can become Catholic at any time of year, the Easter Vigil is the most celebrated time for adult catechumens to be baptized, and already baptized Christians to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. It is a joyous sight as catechumens receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion, and candidates recite their profession of faith and receive Confirmation and the Eucharist. It is also a time when those of us already initiated into the Catholic community renew our own Baptismal vows. For those of us who shared their journey, it is a never ending delight to witness the beginnings of new life in Christ, new hope, new joy, and a new light in their lives. We who are welcoming the newest members of our family need to remind ourselves that we too receive these same gifts at every Eucharistic celebration. Let us join our prayers in celebration of all those who, this morning, are waking up Catholic.
“Dear Lord, we pray for all new Catholics. May they be strengthened and blessed in the faith and grow even closer to you. Help us to support them through our prayers and friendships. And use us and them, according to your will, to lead others home to the Church. Amen.
Blessed Sacrament Church 