Rite of Christian Initiation

[Gal. 5:22,23]

Yesterday our parish celebrated the Rite of Christian Initiation. I was caught off guard as to how emotional it would be for me. For those who haven't yet participated in this, here's how it went.



The candidates/catechumens were paired with their sponsors, and as we faced each other the priest said the following:

Catechumens and Candidates, receive the sign of the cross on your FOREHEAD. It is Christ Himself who no strengthens you with this sign of His love. Learn to know Him and follow Him.

Receive the sign of the cross on your EYES, that you may see the glory of God.

Receive the Sign of the Cross on your EARS, that you may hear the voice of the Lord.

Receive the Sign of the Cross on your LIPS, that you may respond to the Word of God.

Receive the Sign of the Cross on your SHOULDERS, that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ.

Receive the Sign of the Cross on your HANDS, that Christ may be known in the work which you do.

Receive the Sign of the Cross on your FEET, that you may walk in the way of Christ.


Our sponsors made the Sign of the Cross after the priest spoke each of these.

The priest then said: "I sign you with the sign of eternal life in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Catechumens/Candidates: (Together) Amen.

Presentation of the Cross:

The priest says, "Catechumens and Candidates, you have been marked with the cross of Christ. Receive now the sign of His love.

(Sponsors remove cross from around their necks and place them around the necks of their Catechumen or Candidate.)

The priest says, "Almighty God, by the cross and resurrection of your Son, You have given life to Your people. Your servants have received the sign of the cross: make them living proof of its saving power and help them to persevere in the footsteps of Christ. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen



Thank you, merciful and gracious Lord Jesus, for leading me to Your Church. I pray for Your strength and grace to love You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself.

[Brother Adam]

That's beautiful

Just as an annoying side note:
"The Rite of Christian Initiation" is the whole process that includes 3 main rites. You saw the Rite of Welcoming, and if there were any unbaptized, the Rite of Acceptance. Coming up early next spring should be the Rite of Election and the Rite of Enrollment.

[Gal. 5:22,23]

[quote name='Brother Adam' date='Nov 21 2005, 04:49 PM']That's beautiful

Just as an annoying side note:
"The Rite of Christian Initiation" is the whole process that includes 3 main rites. You saw the Rite of Welcoming, and if there were any unbaptized, the Rite of Acceptance. Coming up early next spring should be the Rite of Election and the Rite of Enrollment.
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Sorry about that, I was looking at my sheet - it had Rite of Christian Initiation at the top, and then Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcoming after that. So I didn't know what to call it!

[Nathan]

I also had my first Rite yesterday morning with my fellow candidates. It wasn't as dramatic liturgically -- our priest didn't do the "eyes, ears, lips" thing -- but it was good. I cannot WAIT to be confirmed and finally receive the Body and Blood of Christ! I'm so, so ready.

[Dreamweaver]

Ooo, I remember the whole "Receive the sign of the cross...." thing back when I was in RCIA. Very beautiful rite. Be patient until you can receive the Lord. Now that's exciting.

[beautyforashes]

i just went through the Rite of Welcoming too and it was amazing, beautiful, and a little nerve racking! there are two other girls in my RCIA group and we were all so nervous...having to stand in front of the whole church is very intimidating. when Father asked us what we ask of the church none of us answered at first because we couldn't remember what to say...then Father gave us a reassuring smile and we finally answered. it was pretty funny looking back...but at the time my knees were shaking.

[Nathan]

What did you folks ask of the Church?

Me: "I ask the Church to remain firm in the world, for all of us."

[phillovesourlady2]

Just wondering. I've decided to convert. Do you think I could still enter RCIA somehow? I know they started in September, but, would I have to wait until next September? That really wouldn't be fun if I had to do that ....

[tojo]

[quote name='phillovesourlady2' date='Nov 26 2005, 06:53 PM']Just wondering. I've decided to convert. Do you think I could still enter RCIA somehow? I know they started in September, but, would I have to wait until next September? That really wouldn't be fun if I had to do that ....
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I enrolled in December, never even had the Rite of Welcoming.....
It may depend on the parish, as well as on how much you know. I was already a devouit Christian who had read a lot about Catholiscm, and I went for RCIA at a very good parish that was very eager to welcome converts.

[jmj]

I had the Rite of Welcoming today. My sponsor was making jokes under his breath during the eyes/ears/etc signing, causing me to giggle in front of everyone. Father was looking at me rather oddly and trying not to giggle during the whole thing.