THE RITE OF ACCEPTANCE is intended for those who have never been baptized. The Rite of Welcoming is for those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition. In the Rite of Acceptance, the unbaptized are anointed with the Oil of Catechumens, thus making them “catechumens” or “hearers.”

DISMISSALS take place each Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The catechumens and candidates are called forth following the homily each Sunday and “dismissed” to the Church Hall, where they continue to reflect on the Scriptures of the day. This is an integral part of their faith formation.

THE RITE OF ELECTION takes place on the First Sunday of Lent here at the Cathedral with Bishop McCormack and Bishop Christian, catechists, formators, sponsors, candidates and catechumens. During this ceremony, the catechumens become the “elect” after they declare their intention to enter into the life of the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. The candidates, in a ceremony known as “The Call to Continuing Conversion” acknowledge that they, too, wish to be received into the life of the Catholic Church through Confirmation and the Eucharist.

THE SCRUTINIES occur after the homily on the Third, Fourth and Fifth Sundays of Lent at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The Scrutinies celebrated only for the elect, invites the community of believers to beg the power of God in the lives of the elect, strengthening them for the Christian life, and guarding them against temptation. In these rites, the elect acknowledge the reality of sin in their lives and ask for God’s grace.

THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION are Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. During the Great Easter Vigil, the elect are baptized following the homily, the candidates are received into the life of the Church, and the newly baptized and received are confirmed and complete their initiation through their first reception of the Eucharist. At the conclusion of this liturgy, they are fully incorporated into the Mystical Body of Christ.

MYSTAGOGIA is the period between the Easter Vigil and Pentecost Sunday when the Church concludes the Easter season. During the period of mystagogy, the neophytes (newly baptized) and newly received continue to reflect on the experience of being members of the Catholic Church and grow in their appreciation of the rites they have celebrated throughout the Lenten season and at the Easter Vigil.

SPONSORS NEEDED!

The Cathedral is greatly blessed to have a good number of inquirers considering membership in the Roman Catholic Church in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process. One of the most critical roles in the process is the role of “sponsor.”

The sponsor is responsible for journeying with our inquirers and candidates as we try to help them become accustomed to the life of the community. We will provide training and support for you as you do the same for our inquirers and candidates. Would you consider this ministry? You’ll be surprised how your own faith is re-awakened! For more information, please contact Father Joe at 603.622.6404.