A little history…. This is the first of the public ritual celebrated in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process. The Rite of Acceptance into the order of Catechumens (for unbaptized Catechumens) and the Rite of Welcome (for baptized adult candidates preparing to celebrate Confirmation and Eucharist in the Catholic Church). An important moment in the Rite is when each candidate is asked if they are ready to accept the Gospel Way of Life. Their affirmation is a public expression of their intention to follow the way of Jesus Christ. The candidates will be marked by the sign of the cross by Fr. Mike and their sponsors. With this ancient mark, they are claimed for Christ.
 
As the assembled Church, we celebrate this ritual by blessing our Inquirers, listening to them, praying for them, giving evidence of the spirit of our Christian community, inviting them into our hearts, and passing on to them our beliefs, traditions, and all that we hold sacred and cherish. Please keep our Catechumens and Candidates in CMI and RCIA your thoughts and prayers in the coming months.
 
Soon we will post photos and bios of our new candidates and catechumens in CMI and RCIA on the kiosk of the Narthex.