As mentioned last class, the Rite of Welcoming will be taking place this Sunday during the 8:30 Mass.

The Rite of Welcoming is where you officially introduce to the Catholic community your intention to learn about the faith with the goal of joining the Catholic Church. You'll notice that what you're asking for is just instruction leading to joining the Church. So if you're on the fence at all, just be aware that this is not a commitment to come into the Church, if you change your mind later.

After the homily you will be called to the front of the Church, where the Rite of Welcoming will take place. You can come to the front and stand there with your sponsor slightly behind you. Here is a crude drawing.:

I have no idea how I remembered that there wasn't much of a speaking part. You'll see the parts in bold below that you'll be called upon to say on Sunday. I'll have print-outs at Mass for you. I would recommend giving this a read beforehand, though. It's short.

Rite of Welcoming (Baptized Candidates)
 

What do you ask of God’s Church?

Candidate:

To be accepted as a candidate for catechetical instruction leading to reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

Celebrant:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, in his great mercy has given us a new birth unto a living hope, a hope which draws its life from Christ’s resurrection from the dead.  By baptism into Christ Jesus, this hope of glory became your own.  Christ opened for you the way of the Gospel that leads to eternal life. Now, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you desire to continue that journey of faith.

Are you prepared to reflect more deeply on the mystery of your baptism, to listen with us to the apostles’ instruction, and to join with us in a life of prayer and service?

Candidate:

I am.

Celebrant:

Sponsors, you now present these candidates to us; are you, and all who are gathered with us, ready to help these candidates prepare for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church?

All:

We are.

Celebrant (with hands joined):

Father of mercy, we thank you for these your servants. You have already consecrated them in baptism and now you call them to the fullness of the Church’s sacramental life: we praise you, Lord, and we bless you.

All sing or say:

We praise you, Lord, and we bless you.

Celebrant (with hands outstretched over the candidates):

Almighty and eternal God, whose love gathers us together as one, receive the prayers of your people. Look kindly on these your servants, already consecrated to you in baptism, and draw them into the fullness of faith.  Keep your family one in the bonds of love through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen

After this Father Mocio will dismiss you can you can return to your pews!

Please let me know if you have any questions or will not be able to make it to the 8:30am Mass tomorrow. Thank you!