Houston Astros and RCIA (Bulletin Column 20150808)

I am a lifelong fan of the Houston Astros, a professional baseball team. I grew up listening to them on the Radio and now through a cable or satellite box I can watch their games on television. I agonized over them when they were the worst team in baseball and now take joy from them as one of the better professional teams. They are so much better than in years past that people are starting to take notice of the Astros and wondering who this team is. The casual fan searches for more information on the team and about the players that make up the team. Attendance at the Astros baseball games is increasing as more people want to be part of the excitement.

Catholic are already part of an excitement.  We belong to a Church that is alive and active.  The Catholic Church takes an active role in its parish, community and world events.  We have leaders who defend our faith.  We had and still have writers that inspire us and guide us in the teachings of our Church.  We have clergy that help us understand the true meaning behind the words spoken by Jesus and comfort us during times of turmoil.  Most important is the faith we have in our risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who was crucified on a cross so that we may have eternal life.  All of these things bring us together as a community where we gather together in prayer, song and silence to praise God.

Some though are just discovering the excitement of the Catholic faith. They are hearing about the Sacraments that help us and guide us through the important moments in our life.  These inquirers are learning that we do have responsibilities that derive from the teachings of Jesus.  Responsibilities we gladly adhere to out of our love for God.  They are learning that it is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that creates an unbreakable covenant between God and his people.  The inquirers are hearing for the first time that through the celebration of the Mass, the bread has become the body Jesus and that the cup holds the blood of the new covenant.

The Rite of Christian Imitation of Adults (RCIA) is for those who have found the excitement of our Catholic faith.  They have heard the words Christ proclaimed and freely seek to understand the teachings of the Catholic Church.  Reach out to them.  You are the first representatives of the Catholic Church.  Welcome these inquirers and guide them toward the RCIA program in your parish.