Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens, and/or Rite of Welcoming
When they make the decision to join the Church, they are accepted into the Order of Catechumens in a liturgical rite that marks the beginning of the formal period of initiation into the Church. During the catechumenate, the catechumen’s faith is nurtured through celebrations of prayers and blessings, and through a course of study and formation. If a person dies while a catechumen, he or she receives a full Christian burial and is considered to have been a member of Christ’s body, the Church.
The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens is for inquirers in the RCIA process who are preparing for their Baptism. They are now ready to publicly declare their intention to continue their journey toward becoming Catholics. At this Rite, they are asked to more fully embrace the Gospel message with the help of God, and are also signed with the Cross to show that they now belong to Christ, the Shepherd of souls. In this Rite, the parish community has the opportunity to more fully participate in and pray for those in the RCIA process. This Rite places these catechumens in a formal relationship with the universal Church. By Church law, the Pope and all bishops are to pray for those who have
gone through this Rite.
The Rite of Welcoming is for inquirers who have been previously baptized and are ready to publicly declare their intention to continue their journey toward full communion with the Catholic Church. At this Rite, they are asked if they are ready to listen to the apostles’ instruction, gather with the worshipping community in prayer, and join that community in the love and service of others. They are signed with the Cross to show that they belong to Christ.
Period of the Catechumenate:
This is an extended period for pastoral formation and guidance aimed at training participants in the Christian life; it includes a thoroughly comprehensive catechesis on the truths of Catholic doctrine and moral life.
The Catechumenate contains the following Minor Rites:
• Celebrations of the Word of God
• Minor Exorcisms (for catechumens)
• Anointings (for catechumens)
• Blessings
Portions of this document are from – On the Journey Series: RCIA
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