Marking Time: Forming Spirituality through the Christian Year

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Mark i ng T ime : Formi ng Sp i r i tua l i t y through the Chr i s t i an Year

1. This central place of Easter in the ancient Church reached back in the time leading up to the Cross, or the period of Lent.

2. In the patristic church, the Easter or Paschal Vigil was designated as the time to administer new converts into baptism, our sharing of the death and resurrection of Christ.

3. The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus : the great service of Easter eve

a. New converts underwent a several year process of theological, moral, and spiritual preparation as candidates for baptism (catechumanate).

b. After this period, these converts were designated “the elect.”

c. In the weeks before Easter, they were instructed in the faith, summarized in the Creed and the Lord’s prayer, and were exorcized in order to “make room” for the Holy Spirit, who from the time of their baptism would then fill their lives!

d. This period was the time when backsliders were reclaimed, with baptismal privileges restored to them.

e. As a sign of solidarity and union with the converts and returning penitents, the Church embraced this time for all believers to identify with the suffering and ministry of Christ each year during Lent.