Rite of Welcoming

[RyanL_s_Wife]

In RCIA, what exactly is the Rite of Welcoming. I know it is suppose to take place a few Sunday’s from now. But, no one has even told us what it is, what it means, or what’s involved. Just that we are required to be there.
Since, I am not even sure I want to convert to Catholicism, I am leery of taking part in any rites. (especially since no one has bothered to tell me what it is)

If I am not even remotely sure I want to convert (in fact, at this moment leaning against it) is it even appropriate for me to go through this. I definitely don’t feel comfortable doing so…

Any help/information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

RyanL’s Wife

 

[jmcrae]

The Rite of Welcoming is a very simple ceremony. When it gets closer to the time, they will review it with you and make sure you know what you have to say - it’s very logical, and even if you don’t know ahead of time what to say, the responses will come naturally - just listen to the question, and answer truthfully.

In most cases, it’s very short (there is a “long version” but I’ve never heard of anyone actually using the long version) the only thing you really need to remember (like everything else in the Catholic Church) is to show up - also your sponsor should be there, but if she can’t make it, someone will stand in as a proxy for you.

 

[jmcrae]

PS: Unless you’ve decided that the Catholic Church is absolutely not for you for the forseeable future - that is, if you’re still open to the idea at some level and just hoping for someone to talk you into it, then go ahead and participate in the Rite of Welcome. It will open up the opportunity for you to go to Catechism classes, which are a lot “meatier” and much more standardized than RCIA Inquiry meetings, which is what you’ve been experiencing up to now.

If at the end of Catechism classes, you still aren’t sure if you want to be Catholic, you should discuss it with the priest and with your sponsor - but by then it should be much more clear in your mind - “Yes, I want to be Catholic,” or “No, this is a really bad idea right now.”

 

[scylla]

It isn’t any binding thing as in forcing you to be Catholic but more like being invited over to someones house for the evening to get to know them better.

Don’t worry you wont have to spend the night.

God Bless
Scylla

 

[Texas_Roofer]

You may or may not gather outside, we move from reserved pews to the front area below the alter. The Priest comes down the line, (we wear name tags)

(priest) Bill, What do you ask of God’s Church? (Bill) Faith
(priest) What does faith offer you ? (Bill) Eternal Life
(priest) paragraph…Are you prepared to begin this journey with the guidance of Christ? (ALL) I am
(priest) paragraph…Are you ready with the help of God to live this life? (ALL) I am
(priest) paragraph…Are you ready to accept the teachings of the gospel? (ALL) I am
(priest) Sponsors… paragraph…Are you prepared to help these candidates? (Sponsors) We are

Then the Priest will usually individually sign(trace a cross) each candidate on the fore head of each candidate. The sponsor will repeat this action

Then the priest will read and the sponsor will sign you repeatedly - on your ears that you may hear the gospel, - your eyes that you may see the gospel, etc, etc, etc
The usually there is a pray and I think we send the group out.

I believe this becomes the first dismissal

We usually consider this the formation of the class and the end of inquiry and the beginning of catechism. If you read other threads it is clear some object to this philosophy.

 

[rwoehmke]

That is basically it. If you were in our class(we usually have less than a dozen) you and both Candidates and Catachumens would remain at Mass. We don’t dismiss the group because we have class immediately after Mass and sponsors etc. would have to leave too and miss Mass. I wouldn’t anticipate the classes after to be any more exciting than the ones you have experienced. Being married to Ryan you probably have heard it all before. There is so much in common between what most Christian Churches teach that differences while important take up much less time. Take my word for it. There are significant differences.

 

[jmcrae]

You may or may not gather outside, we move from reserved pews to the front area below the alter. The Priest comes down the line, (we wear name tags)

(priest) Bill, What do you ask of God’s Church? (Bill) Faith
(priest) What does faith offer you ? (Bill) Eternal Life
{…}

Isn’t this the Rite of Acceptance?

The Rite of Welcome is for previously baptized candidates. They already have faith. They are asked different questions, and in the full Rite, they actually receive wooden crucifixes and Bibles of their own to take home. (I’ve never heard of anyone doing the full Rite of Welcome, though.)

 

[Karin]

During the Rite of Welcoming, catechumens are “signed” with the cross on their foreheads by the Priest, and then signed on their foreheads, ears, eyes, lips, shoulders, hearts, hands, and feet, by their sponsors.

*These candidates then continue on their journey toward full initiation into the Body of Christ through the celebration of Confirmation and Eucharist at Mass on the Sunday after Easter. *

About the Rite of Welcoming

This rite is the first public assembly of those who have been inquiring about membership within the Catholic faith community, but are already joined with us in the Christian faith through Baptism within another Christian faith tradition. Known as “candidates for catechetical instruction leading to reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church” (or simply “candidates”), they will receive further doctrinal instruction and spiritual preparation. By virtue of their Baptism, they are distinct from “catechumens” (unbaptized individuals preparing for initiation into the Church. For this same reason they are never referred to as “converts.”

The rite consists in the declaration of intent of the candidates, the affirmation by their sponsors, the signing of the candidates with the cross, and their dismissal from the Eucharistic assembly. The candidates receive the sign of the cross on their entire bodies, being marked with the magnitude of Christ’s love and the immensity of Christ’s pain, as a reminder that following Jesus leads to the cross.

— Adapted from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults​

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

In RCIA, what exactly is the Rite of Welcoming. I know it is suppose to take place a few Sunday’s from now. But, no one has even told us what it is, what it means, or what’s involved. Just that we are required to be there.
Since, I am not even sure I want to convert to Catholicism, I am leery of taking part in any rites. (especially since no one has bothered to tell me what it is)

If I am not even remotely sure I want to convert (in fact, at this moment leaning against it) is it even appropriate for me to go through this. I definitely don’t feel comfortable doing so…

Any help/information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

RyanL’s Wife

No, if you have not decided to enter into full union with the Catholic Church then you should **NOT **participate. The Rite of Welcome is for Baptized Christians who are seeking full union with the Catholic Church. For the Catholic community to “welcome” them into the community and express acceptance because of their Baptism as Separated brothers and sisters in Christ, and to assure them of their prayers.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

You may or may not gather outside, we move from reserved pews to the front area below the alter. The Priest comes down the line, (we wear name tags)

(priest) Bill, What do you ask of God’s Church? (Bill) Faith
(priest) What does faith offer you ? (Bill) Eternal Life
(priest) paragraph…Are you prepared to begin this journey with the guidance of Christ? (ALL) I am
(priest) paragraph…Are you ready with the help of God to live this life? (ALL) I am
(priest) paragraph…Are you ready to accept the teachings of the gospel? (ALL) I am
(priest) Sponsors… paragraph…Are you prepared to help these candidates? (Sponsors) We are

Then the Priest will usually individually sign(trace a cross) each candidate on the fore head of each candidate. The sponsor will repeat this action

Then the priest will read and the sponsor will sign you repeatedly - on your ears that you may hear the gospel, - your eyes that you may see the gospel, etc, etc, etc
The usually there is a pray and I think we send the group out.

I believe this becomes the first dismissal

We usually consider this the formation of the class and the end of inquiry and the beginning of catechism. If you read other threads it is clear some object to this philosophy.

What you describe is the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens for an unbaptized person. There is no dismissal of the candidates separate from the assembly. If Mass continues they remain for the liturgy of the Eucharist (they do not receive Communion) which is their right by virtue of the Baptism.

The **Rite of Welcome **begins at paragraph 411 of the Rite.

 

[RyanL_s_Wife]

I just don’t know if I am ready for this. I mean, I have been going to only Mass (and not my church) for nine months now, and I still don’t cross myself. The whole crossing yourself is something that I see inherently Catholic. It isn’t something I am at all comfortable with. Double that for someone else signing the cross on me. Once I decide to become Catholic, I don’t think I will have a problem with it. But for now, it is a problem. I don’t think I am ready to betray my faith. And by doing something that I see as Catholic, I feel like I will be doing that.

I am sure most of you see that as simple and not a big thing to stress over, but it is to me. I wish I could explain it. For instance if you went to a Masons meeting, to learn what they did and in order to actually learn about their order, they made you wear something specifically “Mason” Wouldn’t you feel very hesitant about that? I don’t know if that is a good example, but that is as close as I could get.

I don’t think I am looking for any replies to this particular post. I am just publicly airing my thoughts.

However, I am curious about this:

(priest) Bill, What do you ask of God’s Church? (Bill) Faith
(priest) What does faith offer you ? (Bill) Eternal Life

Another poster pointed this out as well. I already have faith, will I be asking for more faith? Is my current faith not enough to warrant Eternal Life?

Just curious,

God Bless,

RyanL’s Wife

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

That is basically it. If you were in our class(we usually have less than a dozen) you and both Candidates and Catachumens would remain at Mass. We don’t dismiss the group because we have class immediately after Mass and sponsors etc. would have to leave too and miss Mass. I wouldn’t anticipate the classes after to be any more exciting than the ones you have experienced. Being married to Ryan you probably have heard it all before. There is so much in common between what most Christian Churches teach that differences while important take up much less time. Take my word for it. There are significant differences.

Catechumens are the only ones that should be dismissed and the Rite strongly suggests that they be dismissed (option “C” paragraph 67). Sponsors and Candidates should never be dismissed with Catechumens. Team members who handle BOW in our parish simply attend another Mass to fulfill the Sunday obligation.

 

[Scottgun]

In RCIA, what exactly is the Rite of Welcoming. I know it is suppose to take place a few Sunday’s from now. But, no one has even told us what it is, what it means, or what’s involved. Just that we are required to be there.
Since, I am not even sure I want to convert to Catholicism, I am leery of taking part in any rites. (especially since no one has bothered to tell me what it is)

If I am not even remotely sure I want to convert (in fact, at this moment leaning against it) is it even appropriate for me to go through this. I definitely don’t feel comfortable doing so…

Any help/information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

RyanL’s Wife

Unfortunately, what you describe sounds similar to my RCIA experience. Now, I myself did not have a problem with it because I knew I wanted to be Catholic, BUT I had a problem with the fact that no one told me what was going to happen. My RCIA instructor was one of those experience-don’t-explain types. That is, they did not tell us what was going to happen, it happened, and in the next session we had a goofy conversation about what we experienced. “Where was God?” and such. (Which sounds like a good question on paper, but in the context of a bunch of confused and half-catechized candidates, was nigh on useless.) I can’t stand this method. It ends up making Catholicism esoteric, which it ain’t supposed to be. Perhaps make an appointment with the priest and share your concerns.

Scott

 

[Church_Militant]

I just don’t know if I am ready for this. I mean, I have been going to only Mass (and not my church) for nine months now, and I still don’t cross myself. The whole crossing yourself is something that I see inherently Catholic. It isn’t something I am at all comfortable with. Double that for someone else signing the cross on me. Once I decide to become Catholic, I don’t think I will have a problem with it. But for now, it is a problem. I don’t think I am ready to betray my faith. And by doing something that I see as Catholic, I feel like I will be doing that.

I am sure most of you see that as simple and not a big thing to stress over, but it is to me. I wish I could explain it. For instance if you went to a Masons meeting, to learn what they did and in order to actually learn about their order, they made you wear something specifically “Mason” Wouldn’t you feel very hesitant about that? I don’t know if that is a good example, but that is as close as I could get.

I don’t think I am looking for any replies to this particular post. I am just publicly airing my thoughts.

However, I am curious about this:

Another poster pointed this out as well. I already have faith, will I be asking for more faith? Is my current faith not enough to warrant Eternal Life?

Just curious,

God Bless,

RyanL’s Wife

But Amy, we are not Masons.

Let me ask you this. Why would the Sign of the Cross bother you so much?

Don’t you see that is the simplest prayer and yet the most comprehensive of professions of Christian faith around?

Consider this: In signing ourselves we make a public profession of our faith the the sacrifice of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You believe in that do you not? (I know you well enough to know that you do.)

The words of the Signum Crucis are meaningful on many levels.

1. A statement ot belief in the Holy Trinity.
2. A statement of belief in the diety of each member of the Trinity.
3. A “mini-renewal” of our baptismal promises since we are baptized in that forumula.
4. A Conscious turning of our hearst to God.

These are all parts of the Sign of the Cross, and all are things that I know you agree with. It’s NOT some kind of secret cult handshake.

My dear Amy, is there such a thing as “too much” faith?
You (& Ryan & baby) are always in my prayers.
Pax domin sit semper vobiscum,

 

[RyanL_s_Wife]

But Amy, we are not Masons.

Let me ask you this. Why would the Sign of the Cross bother you so much?

Don’t you see that is the simplest prayer and yet the most comprehensive of professions of Christian faith around?

Consider this: In signing ourselves we make a public profession of our faith the the sacrifice of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You believe in that do you not? (I know you well enough to know that you do.)

The words of the Signum Crucis are meaningful on many levels.

1. A statement ot belief in the Holy Trinity.
2. A statement of belief in the diety of each member of the Trinity.
3. A “mini-renewal” of our baptismal promises since we are baptized in that forumula.
4. A Conscious turning of our hearst to God.

These are all parts of the Sign of the Cross, and all are things that I know you agree with. It’s NOT some kind of secret cult handshake.

My dear Amy, is there such a thing as “too much” faith?
You (& Ryan & baby) are always in my prayers.
Pax domin sit semper vobiscum,

It isn’t so much why you make the sign of the cross. Once I am Catholic, or, at least, decided to be Catholic, I won’t have a problem doing it. However, because I am not Catholic and am not sure I want to be Catholic, I am not sure I want to take part in something that identifies me as a Catholic.

I think it is a great thing, and I understand why you, as Catholics, make the sign of the cross; however, I feel I will be identifying myself as a Catholic… which I am not; and not sure, at this time, that I want to be. Does that make more sense?

RyanL’s Wife

ps I KNOW you aren’t Masons, I was just trying to find an example…that was the best thing I could come up with on the spur of the moment. Silly Church Militant!

 

[Pug]

If I am not even remotely sure I want to convert (in fact, at this moment leaning against it) is it even appropriate for me to go through this. I definitely don’t feel comfortable doing so…

Any help/information would be appreciated.

In my parish they don’t do this rite. I think you might like to request that they give you a copy of any responses you will have to make, so that you can be comfortable. RCIA is one of those things that seems to get adapted to each parish situation, so I think you ought to ask your parish what they will do on that day. They may well follow the rite as listed in the RCIA book.

 

[dulcissima]

I know just how you feel. I grew up Baptist and sort of got drawn slowly but surely into the Catholic Church. For years I felt very comfortable attending Mass, but not doing all of those peculiar Catholic things. It just felt like it would be wrong because I wasn’t Catholic. I went into RCIA not really sure that I wanted to become Catholic, and it was in RCIA that I started finally participating more, crossing myself, learning the prayers, etc, and really I think in fully participating that way, I finally began to realize that I was Catholic and this was my church.

Imagine being an outsider and going to services at a Baptist Church, but never participating in the singing. You would really be missing out. It is like that with all of these little things that seem oddly Catholic. Right now you are only attending Mass, but you are not participating. You are missing out on so much and you aren’t likely to fully “get it” until you are willing to take that risk and start participating.

A book on this very subject that I would recommend is:

Mass on Sunday and Other Ways of Being Catholic by Charles E. Miller, CM.

He was my parish priest who passed away recently and it is just a lovely account of what it means to be Catholic and how this is expressed in the Mass.

amazon.com/Mass-Sunday-Other-Being-Catholic/dp/0809142376/sr=8-1/qid=1159599612/ref=sr_1_1/002-7474341-7248039?ie=UTF8&s=books

 

[sea_oat]

In RCIA, what exactly is the Rite of Welcoming. I know it is suppose to take place a few Sunday’s from now. But, no one has even told us what it is, what it means, or what’s involved. Just that we are required to be there.
Since, I am not even sure I want to convert to Catholicism, I am leery of taking part in any rites. (especially since no one has bothered to tell me what it is)

If I am not even remotely sure I want to convert (in fact, at this moment leaning against it) is it even appropriate for me to go through this. I definitely don’t feel comfortable doing so…

Any help/information would be appreciated.

Thanks,

RyanL’s Wife

RyanL’s Wife,

Right now, you’re in a period of Inquiry in RCIA. The Rite of Welcome concludes the period for those already baptized, like yourself, and the Rite of Acceptance concludes it for those not baptized.

After you go through the Rite of Acceptance, the Catechumenate period will begin, where you will delve deeper into your relationship with God, into the faith of Catholicism, and into the commitment you’ll be preparing to make. You will attend Mass regularly, and really start getting the hang of how to be a practicing Catholic.

As for what happens during the Rite, like Karin already said, the priest will sign the cross on your forehead, and your sponsor will sign the cross on your forehead, ears, feet, etc. Depending on your parish, you might each be presented with Bibles, and you’ll probably be dismissed afterward. That’s it!

Also, there are two things that might comfort you further: (1) you’ll never be alone, since your sponsor, and the other candidates will be right up there with you, and (2) there really isn’t much of anything you need to be instructed of doing, since the priest, and your sponsor will be the ones doing all the work.

If you decide that you’re pretty certain you’re not ready to commit to Catholicism AT ALL by the time the Rite of Welcome comes around, then I would consider discussing it with your RCIA director, or with your priest. But don’t be afraid. Remember that converting is not a cakewalk. On top of the fact that change is very difficult, the Adversary is very adept at taunting countless Catholics (both those born Catholic and not) with doubts up until the day we die.

And more importantly, please don’t allow yourself to get hung up on excuses. I, too, was raised Baptist, so I’m very cognizant of the fact that although making the sign of the Cross is alien to the Baptist culture & practice, it’s definitely not contrary to any Baptist beliefs. Genuinely ask yourself if making the sign of the Cross is really problematic, or if you just want it to be.

Anyway, I’ll keep you in my prayers.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

“RCIA is one of those things that seems to get adapted to each parish situation,”

Which is absolutely forbidden by the Church! Options are available within the Rite, but deciding to simply not have a Rite of Welcome or Acceptance is not one of them.

 

[Pug]

“RCIA is one of those things that seems to get adapted to each parish situation,”

Which is absolutely forbidden by the Church! Options are available within the Rite, but deciding to simply not have a Rite of Welcome or Acceptance is not one of them.

Right or no, it still happens. I’m not going to promise the OP that it will go one way or other in her parish, not with her being concerned about this. I wish I could, but I don’t feel I can. I was saying that on a practical level for OP.

Yes, I’ve been planning to ask about this issue in our parish.