The Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance at my parish was this past Sunday. It was a very special experience!! One of the members of our group knocked on the door to the church, and we all processed in with the altar servers, deacons, and priest. We lined up around the altar with our sponsors. The priest said some prayers, and then asked us a few questions, which we answered together as a group:
Q: What is your name?
A: State your name.
Q: What do you ask of God’s Church?
A: Faith.
Q: What does faith offer you?
A: Eternal life.
Q: Are you prepared to begin this journey today under the guidance of Christ?
A: I am.
Luckily, we were given a little “cheat sheet” beforehand - otherwise, I definitely would have blanked on what to say!
The sponsors and congregation were also asked a question, to which they answered, “We are.”
Then, the priest asked the sponsors to mark their catechumen(s)/candidate(s) with the sign of the cross, on the forehead, ears, eyes, lips, shoulders, heart, hands, and feet (I think I got them all!
) After this, our sponsors gave each of us a crucifix necklace.
The Mass continued as normal after this. After communion, each of the candidates and catechumens were presented with a new Bible.
Loved it!!
