The adults seeking to find out about the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) have been continuing their journey begun last year with a period of learning more about the word of God, the teachings of the Church, the community, prayer and apostolic works of service for others.
A few weeks ago, we celebrated the Rite of Sending during which the Saint Anne community pledged its prayers and support and formally sent the Catechumens for the Rite of Election and the Candidates for the Call to Continuing Conversion by the Bishop at Holy Name Cathedral.
On Sunday, February 15th, the group embarked on the period of purification and enlightenment with the Celebration of these Rites. Bishop Francis Kane presided over the inspirational prayer service at the Cathedral. He greeted every Catechumen and Candidate during the service. A milestone in the RCIA process, the Church formally ratified the Catechumens’ readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), and the Candidates’ readiness to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church.
Enclosed in this issue of the Clarion, you will find a prayer card. The name on your card is the name of one of the Catechumens or e Candidates. During the weeks of Lent, please offer prayers for all of them and especially for the person on your prayer card.
Congratulations to the Catechumens and Candidates as they continue their journey to Easter!