Rite of Acceptance and Rite of Welcoming

Advent marks the first sanctification of adults joining the Catholic Church at Easter.

Around the world on the first Sunday of Advent on Nov. 30, the Church sanctifies adults in the Catechumenate faith formation process in an ancient rite, a ritual. Those, who have never been baptized, celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. Those baptized in other Christian denominations, as well as baptized Catholics who have had little instruction in the Church, celebrate the Rite of Welcoming.

These rites are celebrated at Mass, where the readings of the first Sunday of Advent, the Universal Prayer, (Prayer of the Faithful), and other declarations by the priest are themed to initiation. The assembly has the role of witness, quite a stirring experience.

The Inquiry stage, begun in September, has ended and the Catechumenate stage now begins. The general exploration of faith shifts to a focus on the faith traditions of living a sacramental life. The priest will ask if candidates are prepared to reflect more deeply on the mystery of Baptism and join with the worldwide Church in prayer and service.

Throughout the Catechumenate, candidates participate at Mass in the Liturgy of the Word. After each homily, the priest confers a Dismissal blessing, and candidates are escorted by a team member to a room to discuss the scripture readings. They are dismissed at Mass just before The Creed because the ancient rite of presenting the Creed is one of several sacred rites at the Easter Vigil. Dismissal is reserved only for candidates, where their friendship increases in a private, informal setting.

From Advent through the Season of Lent, candidates continue to meet each week for instruction, prayer, faith sharing and conversation.

At the Rite of Acceptance, the priest welcomes candidates, saying “For all of these, we give thanks and praise to the God who has led them by various paths to oneness in faith.”

The liturgical term to be used in the rites is candidate, both for unbaptized and baptized adults. At the conclusion of rites of Acceptance and Welcoming, the candidates for baptism are now called catechumen. The baptized inquirers are now called candidate and baptized Catholics seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation to complete their baptism are called confirmandi.

In the “Presentation” of candidates to the priest and the assembly gathered at Mass, each candidate is called by name, and each replies “present.”

In the “Opening Dialogue,” candidates seeking Baptism are asked two questions:

“What do you ask of God’s Church?” They reply: “Faith.”

“What does faith offer you?” They reply: “Eternal life.”

Signing of the Senses

The priest moves from one candidate to another as he traces the sign of the cross on their forehead, saying aloud:

“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 follow him.”

Then, the priest continues aloud as sponsors make the sign of the cross on each sense:

“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 which you do.

Receive the sign of the cross on your feet,

that you may walk in the way of Christ.”

The priest, alone, makes the sign of the cross over all, saying:

“I sign you with the sign of eternal life

In the name of the Father, and of the Son,

And of the Holy Spirit.”

They reply: “Amen.”

Truly. So be it.

— By Paulette Peynet