St. Frances Cabrini Parish at 9000 Laurence, Allen Park, MI 48101 US - Period of Purification and Enlightenment
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Period of Purification and Enlightenment |
Celebrated the first Sunday of Lent at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, the Rite of Election invites the catechumens to move into the final state of their preparation for the Easter sacraments. During the Rite, catechumens and catechumens are accepted by the church as the chosen or the elect of God. This radical call to discipleship reminds the entire community that it is always God who is in charge, always God who takes the initiative, always God who is the architect of creation. This ritual marks the beginning of the Period of Enlightenment and Purification. The theme of conversion is highlighted in each Sunday liturgy, reminding us that baptism draws us into the paschal mystery of Jesus. On the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent, we celebrate the Scrutinies, special prayers and blessings at Mass that help the Elect take a closer look at those areas of life that keep us from true intimacy with God. The Elect honestly confront the sin that hinders them from following Jesus. The elect give public witness to their ongoing conversion and invite the entire faith community to grow and to change. “The people of God, as represented by the local Church, should understand that the initiation and show by their concern that the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptized” (RCIA 9) Mystagogy “What happens now that everything is over?” This was a statement overheard one year after Easter and says a lot about what too many Catholics do not understand about conversion. Not a one-time event, conversion is a lifetime process, an ongoing movement deeper and deeper into the mystery that is God. Mystagogy is a word that describes a time for the community together with the newly baptized neophytes, to better understand the paschal mystery and make it part of their daily lives through celebration of Eucharist, meditation on the Scripture and works of charity and justice. Mystagogia, a Greek word that means “reflection on the mysteries”, is “post-baptismal catechesis” ~ an opportunity to reflect on the changes that have occurred in our lives because of baptism. Somewhat akin to a honeymoon, this is a time for waking up to the recognition of where you are, what you have said yes to, enjoying it and readjusting your outlook on absolutely everything else in life because of the new relationship that you have entered into. Not a time to recruit for ministry, but a time to come to a deeper understanding of what it means to be a disciple. Although Mystagogy never ends, in terms of structured gatherings, the RCIA will continue to meet through Pentecost to reflect on the experience of Easter and explore its implications. Not the responsibility of a few catechists and the RCIA Coordinator, Mystagogia relies on the entire parish community to help in forming relationships and becoming more attentive to the movement of the Spirit.