Bishop welcomed 43 into Full Communion, complete initiation

Clad in rose-colored vestments, Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop Kevin Rhoades presided over a March 30 Mass in which 43 members of the Notre Dame and Holy Cross College communities received Sacraments of initiation.

“I am always impressed by these students who are willing to commit themselves to Christ in such a public fashion,” said Basilica Rector Fr. Peter Rocca, CSC, concelebrant of the Mass. “Their public witness is so powerful, and I am always humbled by their commitment to live the Catholic faith in such a public way.”

Bishop Rhoades’ homily likewise served as encouragement for both initiates and the Notre Dame community.

“We’re all on this journey of faith. Lent began as a journey of catechumens to baptism … and is a return to the Lord as children of light … Our candidates have been chosen by God and equipped for service in God’s kingdom,” he proclaimed. “When we receive the light of Christ, our lives are changed. We receive wisdom, and He fills our hearts with the light of his love.”

These 43 students comprise three different formation groups, Assistant Director of Sacramental Preparation and Catechesis Brett Perkins explained to the Rover: Candidates, Catholic Candidates and Confirmandi.

Candidates and Catholic Candidates, composed of 12 and 9 students respectively, were both formed through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process. The Candidates preparing for Full Communion with the Catholic Church were already baptized Christian Protestants, while the Catholic Candidates were baptized Catholics completing their initiation into the Church through the Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

The 22 Confirmandi, formed through the Notre Dame Confirmation Program, Perkins explained, “are baptized Catholics who have already received their First Holy Communion, and who are now seeking to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation to complete their initiation into the Church.

Perkins went on to say that the RCIA groups meet weekly throughout the school year and the Confirmation group convenes biweekly. Formation sessions focus on catechetical content and “communicating the fullness of the Catholic faith as it is believed, lived, celebrated and prayed out.” Students’ discernment process, which facilitated their conversion, included weekly Mass, prayer, small group discussion and one-on-one conversations. The week following reception of the Sacraments is dedicated to “mystagogy,” a period of reflection upon the encounter with Christ.

Senior Walter Nogay, who completed RCIA as a Catholic Candidate, told the Rover about his experience with the process

“Probably the most formative part of the RCIA [process] was the care and love shown to me by the community, which I think is reflective of the greater community here at Notre Dame,” he stated. “I need look no further than [the RCIA leaders] to see the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church exemplified … Their selflessness and generosity greatly inspired me, and I am so grateful for all the sacrifices they made in order that I could experience such a meaningful journey.”

Perkins explained that seeking Full Communion with or complete initiation into the Catholic Church is not always an easy decision for adult students. He encouraged the campus community to “overly and intentionally welcome them into the Catholic Church, and to help them engage and ‘take their rightful place’ within our community.”

“[M]any of our students have acted very courageously to take the step that they have, which may inadvertently put them at odds with family, friends, and other associates,” he explained. “[T]hey need our love and support!”

Graduate student Nathan Smith candidly related his own story of courage to the Rover. After struggling in the past, he was received into the Church as a Candidate.

“Growing up Christian left a lasting impression on my heart,” Smith said. “Yes, my decision was and is very personal, yet I am proud to have answered the calling I ignored for so long. I learned a lot in the shadows … I am an artist with challenging views and opinions of the world, and as I take on the challenge to become the best most loving version of myself; I can only pray that others will do the same for themselves.”

Perkins said that the best ways to support these students and others preparing to receive sacraments is through prayer and witness: “Know your faith and live your faith such that others would want to follow in your footsteps! This is how the Church and our Christian faith has spread throughout the centuries, through the convincing witness of those Christians whose faith is truly contagious, whose faith informs and animates all areas of their lives, and who make those around them want to be better people! Become the best version of yourself (the person that God created you to be!) and you will draw others to Him!”

Lilia Draime is a junior history major whose cat eats macaroni and cheese. She is also thrilled that Tim Bradley will assume the role of Executive Editor next year. Contact her at ldraime@nd.edu.