Rite of Acceptance

Here is the summary Judi Putnam our Liturgical Coordinator provided for us this past Rite of Acceptance.

RITE OF ACCEPTANCE

PROCESSION

INTODUCTORY RITES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GREETING

The presider invites the participants and their sponsors to come forward.

Presider: Dear friends:

The Church joyfully welcomes today [NAME] who will be received into the order of catechumens.

In the months to come he will prepare for his initiation
into the Christian faith by baptism, confirmation and eucharist.

For him we give thanks and praise to the God who has led him to oneness in faith.

My dear candidate, you are welcomed in the name of faith.

QUESTIONS TO THE CATECHUMEN

Addressed to each individually.

Presider: What do you ask of God's Church?

Response: Faith.

Presider: What does faith offer you?

Response: Eternal life.


CANDIDATE’S FIRST ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOSPEL

Presider: This is eternal life: to know the one true God and Jesus Christ, who he has sent. Christ has been raised from the dead and appointed by God as the Lord of life and ruler of all things, seen and unseen.

If, then, you wish to become his disciple and members of his Church, you must be guided to the fullness of the truth that he has revealed to us. You must learn to make the mind of Christ Jesus your own. You must strive to pattern your life on the teachings of the Gospel and so to love the Lord your God and your neighbor. For this was Christ’s command and he was its perfect example.

Are you ready to accept these teachings of the Gospel?

Response: I am.

AFFIRMATION BY THE SPONSORS

Presider: Sponsor, you now present this candidate to us.
Are you ready to help this candidate find and follow Christ?

Sponsors: I am.

AFFIRMATION BY THE ASSEMBLY

Presider: We now ask you, the parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary and all who are gathered here with us.

Are you ready to help these candidates find and follow Christ?

All: We are.

SIGNING OF THE CATECHUMENS WITH THE CROSS

The presider moves to the catechumens with his/her sponsor.

Presider: Are you ready to take up the cross and follow Jesus Christ?

Response: I am.

The presider traces a cross on the forehead of the candidate and says:

Presider: [N.], receive the cross + on your forehead.
It is Christ himself who now strengthens you
with this sign of his love.
Learn to know him and to follow him.

SIGNING OF SENSES BY THE SPONSOR

The sponsor signs as the presider says:

Presider: 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 eyes,
that you may see the glory of God.

Receive the sign of the cross on your lips,
that you may respond to the word of God.

Receive the sign of the cross over your heart,
that Christ may dwell there by faith.

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 you do.

Receive the sign of the cross on your feet,
that you may walk in the way of Christ.

SIGNING BY THE PRESIDER

The presider makes the sign of the cross over all the candidates at once:

Presider: I sign you with the sign of eternal life
in the name of the Father +, and the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Presider: Let us pray:
Almighty God, by the cross and resurrection of your Son you have given life to your people.

Your servant has received the sign of the cross. Make him living proof of it's saving power, and help him to persevere in the footsteps of Christ.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

INVITATION TO THE CELEBRATION OF THE WORD

Presider: [Names], share with us at the table of God’s word.


Following the Homily

PRESENTATION OF A BIBLE AND CRUCIFIX

Presider: [Name], receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

You have been marked with the cross of Christ. Receive now the sign of his love.

INTERCESSIONS FOR THE CATECHUMENS

Presider: This catechumen, who is our brother, has already traveled a long road. We rejoice with him in the gentle guidance of God who has brought him to this day. Let us pray that he may press onwards, until he comes to share fully in our way of life.

RCIA catechist reads intercessions:

That God our Father may reveal his Christ to them more and more with every passing day, let us pray to the Lord.

That they may undertake with generous hearts and souls whatever God may ask of them, let us pray to the Lord.

That they may have our sincere and unfailing support every step of the way, let us pray to the Lord.

That they may find in our community compelling signs of unity and generous love, let us pray to the Lord.

That their hearts and ours may become more responsive to the needs of others, let us pray to the Lord.

That in due time they may be found worthy to receive the baptism of new birth and renewal in the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

Presider: God of all creation, we ask you to look favorably on your servants [NAMES]; make them fervent in spirit, joyful in hope, and always ready to serve your name.
Lead them, Lord, to the baptism of new birth, so that, living a fruitful life in the company of your faithful, they may receive the eternal reward that you promise.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Catechumens, go in peace and may the Lord remain with you always.

Catechumens are lead out of the Church by the RCIA Catechist carrying a lecionary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LITURGY of the EUCHARIST

Mass resumes with the Litrugy of the Eucharist. The General Intercessions and Creed may be omitted. If the General intercessions are omitted, then the intentions for the world and the church should be added into the intercessions for the Catechumens.