The adults seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) began their journey with a period of inquiry. This is a personal time of seeking and questioning about God, Jesus, faith and the Scriptures, as well as the Church.
The Rites of Acceptance and Welcoming are celebrated at the end of the inquiry period for those seeking initiation.
- The Rite of Acceptance is celebrated for inquirers who wish to receive all three Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. After celebrating this Rite, they become Catechumens.
- The Rite of Welcoming is celebrated for inquirers who have been baptized in a Christian faith tradition previously and wish to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. After celebrating this Rite, they become Candidates.
The Rites are a sign that these inquirers are ready to journey deeper into the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ, making His life, death and resurrection the pattern of their lives along the way. After being presented to the community, they each are marked with the cross, the sign of all the faithful. We also give each of them experienced guides — sponsors, mentors and others to help them as they progress.
The community promises to be with the new RCIA participants on this journey. By observing our prayer, words, deeds and actions in the parish and in the broader community, they learn what it means to live as a Catholic Christian today.
The Rites of Acceptance and Welcoming will take place this Sunday, November 14th, at 11:00am Mass. All of us in the Saint Anne community look forward to celebrating with them!
I give you a new commandment: love one another other. As I have loved you, so also you should love one other. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
(Jn 13:34-35)