By: Tiffany Walsh, Catholic Library World - March 1, 2006
Anyone seeking information on the conversion process into the Catholic Church will be interested in this engaging collection of personal testimonies about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Washington. The viewer is introduced to individuals who have made the decision to pursue reception of the sacraments, as well as the larger faith community of St. James who suport the RCIA program. The video shows the year-long process of RCIA, interspersing facts about the program of sacramental preparation itself with personal narratives about the decision to join RCIA and its effects on participants' lives.
One sees how the program attendees are divided into two groups--candidates who were previously baptized in another Christian faith and wish to receive the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist, and catechumens who are to receive the sacrament of baptism as well. RCIA participants share stories of their faith backgrounds which include Protestant, atheist, and Buddhist. They also go into detail about why they now desire membership in the Catholic Church. The video culminates with the Easter vigil and the catechumens receiving the sacraments.
This is a moving video that quickly engages the viewer's attention by revealing the lives of the featured candidates and catechumens. the chronological progression through the stages of the RCIA program make the moment of baptism particularly touching. The juxtaposition of personal interviews, interaction of the catechumens during class, and interiors of the cathedral, is excellent. This is an enjoyable video recommended for all church and religious libraries.