The Rite of Christian Initiation with Pastor CArlos

The Rite of Christian Initiation

Adult inquirers who had been preparing to receive their sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) were accepted earlier into a status in the Church called the catechumenate. The catechumenate is also a journey of preparation. The catechumens prepare together with candidates who are already baptized, but who have not received the Eucharist and Confirmation, and so they prepare in order to be fully initiated.

Lent is a special time for our Catechumens and Candidates. On the first Sunday of Lent at our 9:30 AM Mass, our Catechumens and candidates participated in the Rite of Sending. They were literally “sent” to our Bishop Robert McElroy who received them that afternoon. He received all catechumens and candidates of the diocese in Golden Hall downtown. All their names were inscribed in a book held in each parish, as a symbol, that God has chosen and called them by name to the sacraments they will receive at the Easter Vigil.

At the Rite of Election, the catechumens changed in status, and now they are called “The Elect.” The Elect will now participate in three rituals called the Scrutinies, which take place during the 9:30 AM Mass today, and in the next two Sundays, also at the 9:30 AM Mass. The three scrutinies are short prayer rituals during Mass and they match the theme of the Gospel, which for these Masses, is taken from John’s Gospel (Cycle A - readings).

The high point of the whole Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, will be the Easter Vigil. Christian Initiation is a participation in the Paschal mystery: so at the vigil, the elect will participate in the death and resurrection of Christ. Once initiated, the neophytes will participate during the Easter season in a period called mystagogy, or “savoring the mysteries.” Although traditionally it is 50 days, my liturgy professor used to tell us that mystagogy is for life - we are all called to continually taste the goodness and mercy of God present in the Sacraments.

God Bless, Fr. Carlos, OSA

Sunday, March 24, 2019 — Third Sunday of Lent