By Ken Canedo

Are you a "Rice Catholic?" That's how a friend of mine once referred to those who entered the Church by way of the RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. There is also a related program for older children called RCIC.

RCIA has proven to be one of the greatest legacies of the Second Vatican Council, the landmark meeting of the world's bishops between 1963 and 1965. It was at this council that the Catholic Church took a giant leap into the modern world through reforms in the liturgy, in lay ministry, in relations with other religions, and in so many other vital areas.

In the decades before Vatican II, non-Catholics who wanted to join the Church took a series of weekly "convert classes," usually taught by the parish priest at various times throughout the year, depending on the number of inquirers. Many of these converts joined the Church because their fiancee or spouse was Catholic, and they wanted to raise their children as Catholics. At the end of the instruction those who were ready were baptized or professed their faith in a private ceremony.

The Council fathers recognized the need to reform convert instruction when it called for the reinstatement of the catechumenate, an extended period of time when unbaptized inquirers or "catechumens" were led through a period of instruction and prayer. This was the customary process for new Christians in the early Church, climaxing with the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. As the centuries passed this process fell by the wayside. Vatican II brought it back.

RCIA involves the entire parish community in a variety of supportive roles: as mentors, as sponsors, as catechists, as members of the Sunday assembly. Perhaps you have observed the RCIA candidates at your parish liturgies as they have received blessings and prayers from the whole community under the leadership of the presiding priest. From Advent through Lent, these candidates are guided by a supportive and caring RCIA team on a unique journey of faith. They partake of instruction, scripture sharing, and prayer. By the time the Easter Vigil arrives they are excited and ready to receive the sacraments. After Easter, these new Christians are fully integrated into the life of the parish.

A fuller treatment of the steps and history of RCIA can be found here: A New Look at the RCIA: Journey for the Entire Parish

RCIA Catholics are often filled with a burning zeal that can inspire those who have been Catholic since birth. This is the true gift of RCIA: the Holy Spirit inspires a person to consider a life in Christ through the support and prayer of a Christian community. That community, in turn, is renewed by the work of the Spirit in their midst. What better time to celebrate this new life than in the annual commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

This Holy Week, consider participating in your parish Easter Vigil service, arguably the most awesome liturgy of the whole year. Marvel at the light of the Easter fire as it dispels the darkness of sin and death. Celebrate the joy of new life as the RCIA candidates don their white garments and are led through the waters of baptism. Congratulate and welcome these new Catholics into the community after they have received the Eucharist for the first time. Who knows? The Spirit might be calling you to become a volunteer for next year's RCIA. If you are not a Catholic, you might even be called to become a candidate yourself. There is a role for everyone in the RCIA journey.

Rice is not an inappropriate way to think about RCIA. Rice needs water to reach its fullest potential. RCIA candidates walk toward the Healing Waters of baptism as the Catholic Church becomes blessed with an abundance of new members. "Rice Catholics" are living symbols of growth as the Church is renewed in the Risen Lord every Easter.