By The Rev. Michael Belinsky, C.S.C
What gives? Should I major in Physics ... or French? Should I study this Thursday night ... or go out with the gang? Should I lose my life ... or should I save it? Huh?In as little as four weeks, some of those around us will answer this third question with the proud declaration "I DO!" before they lose their lives and are plunged into the baptismal waters on April 11, 2009, at the Easter Vigil at the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. The Elect, as the Catholic Church calls them now prior to their Roman Catholic Christian initiation, are: seniors Arielle LeVeaux, Chris Angeles, Shea Knecht and sophomore Misty Yadon. Once they are baptized by water, they are confirmed in the Spirit through the anointing with Sacred Chrism oil. Following the Eucharistic Prayer, they will receive the Lord Jesus Christ for the first time in his Eucharistic presence - His Sacred Body and His Precious Blood. They become full-fledged Roman Catholic Christians.During the season of Lent, these 40 days, all of us who are already baptized, confirmed and share in the Eucharist pray for these Elect. We pray that they may become ever more faithful to the Way, the Truth and the Life that is Jesus Christ. And we are inspired by their desire for Christ, by their commitment to Christ, to their love of Christ.Just so you know, Lent ends this year on Holy Thursday, April 9, at 4:30 p.m., as the Rev. E. William Beauchamp, C.S.C., begins the Mass of the Lord's Supper with the Sign of the Cross. At the Chapel, we will celebrate the Lord's Supper with the traditional washing of feet. We remember how much the Lord loves us; He shows us who to serve one another. After all, when was the last time any of us "washed another person's feet"?At the end of this Mass, there's no final blessing or dismissal. The Mass is over but the three great days of the Triduum have begun. The final blessing will come after the three great days are complete - at the end of the Easter Vigil.Also following the Mass of the Lord's Supper, the ancient Paschal Fast begins. People are encouraged to fast from food following this Mass until after the Easter Vigil. In this way, we ready ourselves to be open to the Risen Lord's Spirit.The Chapel is open until midnight for those who wish to pray in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord reserved in the tabernacle. At midnight, the chapel is locked and the tabernacle emptied.On Good Friday, April 10, the Chapel opens at 6 a.m. and is open all day for private prayer. At 3 p.m., our prayer continues with a reading of the Passion according to St. John. Then, we venerate the Cross. Afterwards, we receive the Eucharist. Then, the chapel is open all day for private prayer.On Holy Saturday, we continue to pray, especially for those who'll receive the Easter Sacraments. Along with the Elect, senior Tori Kimsey Wobbe, who is already baptized, seeks Full Communion within the Catholic Church and will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. She has decided to lose her life in Christ completely so that others may live. On Easter Sunday, April 12, five young people will be baptized at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Alleluia! By this time, the choir and musicians will be running on adrenaline; the clergy will have bags under their eyes; and everyone who participates in the Vigil will experience a profound joy. Such an emotion comes after so much prayer and celebration! So, after the 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday Mass, all of us will rest. Please be aware that there won't be a 9 p.m. Mass that evening. But, wait. There's more. Then, on Sunday, April 26, our Archbishop John Vlazny will confirm the following adults at the 10:30 a.m. Mass at the Chapel of Christ the Teacher: senior Fabian Schoeppner, juniors Matt Darnell, Kyle Yakubisin, Drew Smith, David Bessman, sophomore Cherry Santos, and freshmen Chris Colins and Lilia Rivera.How will you live? What choices will you make? Some of them will affect our life and the lives of those around us for ever.
The Rev. Michael Belinsky, C.S.C., is the assistant director of faith information at the Office of Campus Ministry
