This is NOT a Mass
The Rite is celebrated during class, outside of Mass. Please go to Mass this weekend as you normally would.
Who should be there
Everyone in OCIA
This week ALL classes will meet in the Banquet Hall. After the Rite, the Elementary and Middle School classes will be dismissed and will not have class today. The Adult English, High School and Spanish classes will stay in the Banquet Hall after the Rite for testimonies.
Catechumens and Candidates
The Rite is celebrated for you. Catechumens have never been baptized; Candidates are already baptized.
Confirmandi
For those ONLY receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation: please come to class with everyone in the Banquet Hall, but this Rite is not for you. You will stay in your seat and pray with the community. Your sponsor does NOT need to be there.
Parents of minors
Parents must come with their children.
Godparents and sponsors of Catechumens and Candidates
Please be there. If yours cannot come, bring someone to stand in for them (a proxy). The crosses are provided; you do not need to bring one.
What is this Rite?
This is the first public step on the journey. Those who have never been baptized (Catechumens) are accepted into the Order of Catechumens, and those already baptized (Candidates) are welcomed as they prepare for full communion with the Catholic Church.
Each one tells the Church what they are seeking, and their godparent or sponsor traces the sign of the cross on their forehead and senses. The whole community promises to walk with them. It is short, simple and joyful.
Your responses
Keep this page open during the Rite. The words you say are in the gold boxes.
Opening prayer
At the end of the opening prayer:
Everyone — Say:
Amen.
Catechumens stand with your godparent
“What do you ask of God’s Church?”
Catechumens — Say:
Faith.
“What does faith offer you?”
Catechumens — Say:
Eternal life.
“…Are you ready, with the help of God, to live this life?”
Catechumens — Say:
I am.
Catechumens and godparents sit down.
Candidates stand with your sponsor
“…are you prepared to listen to the Apostles’ instruction, gather with us for prayer, and join us in the love and service of others?”
Candidates — Say:
I am.
“Sponsors… are you, and all the people of Holy Trinity, ready to help these candidates follow Christ?”
Sponsors and everyone — Say:
We are.
After the prayer of thanks:
Everyone — Say:
We praise you, Lord, and we bless you.
Signing with the cross
Catechumens and Candidates stand and face your godparent or sponsor, who traces the cross on your forehead, ears, eyes, lips, heart, shoulders, hands and feet.
After EACH signing (8 times):
Everyone — Say:
Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
“I sign you with the sign of eternal life in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
Catechumens and Candidates — Say:
Amen.
Your godparent or sponsor places a cross (provided by the parish) around your neck.
Concluding prayer
“…We ask this through Christ our Lord.”
Everyone — Say:
Amen.
Catechumens and Candidates sit down.
Prayers for the Catechumens and Candidates
After each prayer, “Let us pray to the Lord”:
Everyone — Say:
Lord, hear our prayer.
Final blessing:
Everyone — Say:
Amen.
Congratulations! We are so glad you are on this journey with us.
Questions? Call or text Deacon Brad at (210) 717-3005