We found ourselves in the quiet, dimly lit church, a few evenings after the Easter Vigil. The neophytes, godparents, sponsors, candidates, catechumens, an inquirer, and team members were gathered, surrounded by the scent of incense and the sound of the flowing baptismal font, illuminated by the Paschal Candle. As we paused from our busy lives, we reflected on what had happened on that unforgettable night.
One of the most amazing and enriching and challenging experiences of initiation ministry has been our mystagogical reflection on the Easter Vigil.
In hushed tones, we heard a few words from the ritual of preparing and lighting the huge Paschal candle. We contemplated the emotions and significance of the then-elect not receiving a lighted candle at that moment. We discussed the special candles being lighted from the Paschal Candle and the godparents giving the newly baptized their own blessed baptismal candles, the Light of Christ.
Rich foundations
Every part of the Vigil is rich in meaning and perfect for mystagogical catechesis. We remembered and recalled the mystery, sensing it again and deepening the meaning of the ritual symbols.
The way our parish celebrates its liturgical life—the Mass, funerals, weddings, baptisms, confirmations, reconciliation, parish feasts—provides the richest foundations for catechesis and understanding that what we pray and how we pray expresses and shapes our beliefs and gives us the grace to go out on mission.
As catechists involved in the ministries of faith formation, we take to heart Pope Francis’s inspiring insights in his apostolic letter Desiderio Desideravi (“On the Liturgical Formation of the People of God”) that the liturgy is the privileged place of encounter with Jesus Christ. As ministers, we continually rediscover the love that God has for each of us and for all God’s people, and we appreciate the great gift given to us. As disciples being prepared to be sent out on mission again and again, we open ourselves to the words and rituals of liturgy, hearing the beliefs we treasure spoken and sung in our worship.
The longer we spend in our formation ministries helping participants understand the Mass and other liturgical experiences more intimately, the more they can be open to the grace of the Spirit both through formation and for the rest of their lives.
Open to grace
From the Entrance Procession, the Penitential Rite, the proclamation of the Scriptures, the Creed, the Eucharistic Prayer, the Communion Rite to the Sending Forth, and everything in between, big and small, we hear the call to holiness, to discipleship, to be formed, strengthened, and sent. A well-loved Scripture, an inspiring song, a favorite Eucharistic Prayer, an attentive reception of Eucharist, a heartening blessing, and dismissal prayer—all parts of the mosaic of liturgy that shapes us into the People of God and sends us out to our lives, families, work, and ministries, to be those missionaries that our baptism calls us to be.
The longer we spend in our formation ministries helping participants understand the Mass and other liturgical experiences more intimately, the more they can be open to the grace of the Spirit both through formation and for the rest of their lives. Even decades after my Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion, and Marriage, I am still learning the liturgy and what it means in my life. Our journey is lifelong! Amen!
Your turn
What experiences of the Easter Vigil have most informed your faith? How have you shared about them with others? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
