Local News
Easter Special ‘Come To The Water’ Chronicles Adult Journey Of Baptism
Published: March 24, 2005
NEW YORK (CNS)—Any Catholic who has ever attended an Easter Vigil is probably familiar with adult baptism. However, for those newly baptized, what takes place on Holy Saturday is the culmination of a long spiritual journey, which for some demands a year or more of discernment and prayerful reflection.
This inner odyssey of faith is beautifully chronicled in “Come to the Water: The Adult Journey to Baptism” airing on Easter, March 27, noon-1 p.m. EST on ABC.
Produced by New Group Media for the U.S. bishops’ Catholic Communication Campaign, the program follows a year in the lives of men and women participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in the culturally diverse Archdiocese of Seattle, and includes interviews with RCIA ministry team members, as well as Father Michael Ryan, pastor of Seattle’s St. James Cathedral, and Archbishop Alex J. Brunett of Seattle.
For most Catholics, baptism conjures up images of babies squirming as they are held over a font while a priest pours water over their furrowed brows. But as we learn, this was not always the case. In the early days of Christianity, conversion carried with it the very real threat of persecution and martyrdom. Church leaders were careful that those requesting baptism were aware of the commitment and potential cost involved, and therefore baptism was often reserved for adults.
Over the centuries, infant baptism became the norm. After the Second Vatican Council mandated comprehensive liturgical reform, the renewal of the sacraments of initiation led to a revival of the ancient catechumenate with the RCIA.
Those profiled include a young woman who had battled drug addiction, a former Buddhist, and a woman who describes her parents as “Jewish hippies.” Some joined the church so they could share in the faith of their Catholic spouses, others were drawn to the church by the sublime beauty of Catholic ritual, and several were simply “searching for something more in life.”
It is explained how, once a commitment to becoming a Catholic is formalized, group members are divided into “candidates,” those already baptized in another church or who were baptized Catholic but not raised in the faith, and “catechumens,” those who have never been baptized.
The special covers in detail the yearlong journey, from group inquiry sessions, where those curious about the faith can learn about it with no strings attached, through the months of preparation and soul-searching as catechumens grapple with what it means to be a Catholic, right up to the big day when those seeking baptism are received into the church.
The wider faith community is also involved—providing support at every stage by way of prayer and encouragement.
There are no ironclad time schedules for determining when one is ready for baptism, as Helen Oesterle, director of religious education and RCIA at St. James, explains. “RCIA is not a program, it is a process, guided by the Holy Spirit,” she says.
Set against the majestic backdrop of St. James Cathedral, “Come to the Water” reaches its emotional apex at the Easter Vigil. Wearing brown robes, the catechumens process to the baptismal pool. After being baptized, they are quickly ushered into the sacristy to dry off and change, only to re-emerge wearing white robes—symbolizing spiritual rebirth—their joy evident by their ethereal expressions.
Like the sacrament itself, the simple scene eloquently conveys through visual means an inner grace and transformation: the passage from death in sin to transfigured new life in Christ.
“Come to the Water” has a professional, polished look, though it consists mostly of talking-head interviews and conventional footage of the soon-to-be-baptized getting to know each other, interacting with their respective families, or participating in church services. Still, their witness and the power of their personal journeys makes this engaging and spiritually edifying fare, perfect for family Easter viewing.
DiCerto is on the staff of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
