News

Easter baptism was awe-filled for catechumens

By Laurie Mueller
Compass Correspondent

The Easter Vigil had special significance for Robert Frank and Albert Vetter.

They were among several adults in the Green Bay Diocese, and many more around the world, who were welcomed into the Catholic Church that evening with the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist after months of preparation through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA.

	Related article: from April 14, 2006 issue: • Church receives new members

Frank sat in his pew at St. Willebrord Church in Green Bay waiting to be baptized.

"Sitting there, I realized I was ready," Frank said. Minutes later, dressed in a white garment, he walked into the Baptismal font and knelt down as Fr. Ken Degroot, O.Praem., pastor, poured water over his head.

Days later, Frank tried to find words to describe the impact that evening had on him. "It was a lot more than I was expecting. It was very moving, a very emotional night. I was very happy. I had trouble not smiling. Being baptized and receiving the other sacraments was one of the greatest moments of my life."

Vetter participated in the opening procession of the Triduum on Holy Thursday at St. John the Baptist Church, Howard, carrying the Holy Chrism that he would be anointed with on Saturday evening at the Easter Vigil.

Bp. David Zubik had blessed the Holy Chrism - perfumed oil - April 11 at the Chrism Mass in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay. That chrism, used at Easter Vigil, will be used throughout the year for baptisms, confirmations and ordinations. At the Chrism Mass, Bp. Zubik also blessed the oil of catechumens, which will be used next year to anoint others preparing for baptism; and the oil of the sick, to anoint those needing healing.

After the Chrism Mass, the sacred oils were given to representatives from each parish in the diocese and taken back to their churches for a special ceremony at the Holy Thursday liturgy.

"Baptism was awesome," Vetter said smiling. "They forgot to turn on the heater for the water. The water was cold."

Coming out of the cold water was a "spiritual thing" said Vetter, who compared it to the change from darkness to light that is celebrated during the candlelit Easter Vigil.

"I am around the same age Jesus was when he was baptized," Vetter said.

Vetter will keep the white garment he received at Baptism. A parishioner embroidered his name, parish, and baptismal date on the inside. He held and showed it with pride. "I don't have many trophies, but I have this."

Receiving the Eucharist was "awesome," Vetter said. "I look forward to going to church every weekend. Before, I couldn't receive the Eucharist. I felt I was missing something."

Vetter said his interest in the church was influenced by his friends and by childhood friends.

"When I was younger, I went to church with my friend's parents," Vetter said. "Not having religion, they were teaching me. They prayed, and were role models, but I wasn't forced into it. They just talked about it." That family, the Schmitts, held a celebration for Vetter at their home Easter Sunday.

Frank said his wife, who is Catholic, was a strong influence in his decision to learn more about the Catholic Church. He said he was inspired by the way "my wife handles things." When he encountered hardships and struggles, "she brought me up with Scripture" and assured him that "no matter what happens, God loves you," he said.

Persons interested in joining the Catholic Church take part in the RCIA at their parish with a period of inquiry beginning in early fall. Because the Catholic Church recognizes baptisms in other Christian churches, Frank and Vetter were the only adults in their RCIA groups preparing to be baptized. Already baptized RCIA candidates prepare to receive confirmation and the Eucharist.

Frank said he was hesitant when he approached Sr. Melanie Maczka at St. Willebrord to sign up for RCIA. "She made me feel very welcome," Frank said. She reassured him that he could stop attending classes at any time. "At first, I was worried that it would be pushed on me, but I became the one pushing for more information," he said. It was "a good way to learn a lot. We could ask questions."

"Getting up early on a Sunday morning would never happen before," Frank said. But suddenly, he said, "When I went to work on Monday morning, I couldn't wait until next Sunday."

Frank said the bond that developed among the RCIA participants helped them to grow. "It was neat to see. I enjoyed watching everyone in the group receive Communion and Confirmation," Frank said.

Vetter said RCIA was a valuable experience of learning and community-building. "We could ask questions. We joked around and gave each other a hard time."

The smile never left Vetter's face as he spoke of this special evening and his entrance into the Catholic Church. Thirty-five friends squeezed into the crowded church to show their support for him. At the end of Mass, the congregation welcomed Vetter and the other RCIA candidates into the church with a long applause.

"After a while it got kind of embarrassing," he said.