Rite of Acceptance

Celebrant:   Come forward now with your sponsors to receive the sign of your new way of life as catechumen.

N._________________________, receive the cross on your forehead. It is Christ himself who now strengthens you with his love. Learn to love him and follow him.

All:  Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

MC:  (With the Sponsors positioned facing forward {Toward the Alter}) 

Candidates, please turn and face your sponsors

Celebrant:   Receive the sign of the cross on your ears, that you may hear the voice of the Lord.

Sponsor:   The sponsor makes the sign of the cross over the candidate's ears.  

Celebrant:   Receive the sign of the cross on your eyes, that you may see the glory of God.

Sponsor:   The sponsor makes the sign of the cross over the candidate's eyes.

Celebrant:   Receive the sign of the cross on your lips, that you may respond to the word of God.

Sponsor:   The sponsor makes the sign of the cross over the candidate's lips.

Celebrant:   Receive the sign of the cross on your heart, that Christ may dwell there by faith.

Sponsor:   The sponsor makes the sign of the cross over the candidate's heart.

Celebrant:   Receive the sign of the cross on your shoulders, that you may bear gently the yoke of Christ.

Sponsor:   The sponsor makes the sign of the cross over the candidate's shoulders.

Celebrant:   Receive the sign of the cross on your hands, that Christ may be known in the work which you do.

Sponsor:   The sponsor makes the sign of the cross over the candidate's hands.

Celebrant:   Receive the sign of the cross on your feet. That you may walk in the way of Christ.

Sponsor:   The sponsor makes the sign of the cross over the candidate's feet.

(Pause)

MC:   (Instruct the Catechetical team to bring out the crosses for presentation)

Note: Instructions for Alter Server to bring forward the Holy Water.

Celebrant:    (Blesses the Crosses to be presented)

Sponsor:   The sponsor presents the cross to the candidate.

Celebrant:   I sign you with the sign of eternal life in the name of the Father and of the Son. and of the Holy Spirit.

Catechumen:   Amen!

Celebrant:   Let us pray.

Lord, we have signed these catechumens with the sign of Christ's Cross.

Protect them by its power, so that faithful to the grace which has begun in them, they may keep Your commandments and come to the glory of rebirth in baptism.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All / R:   Amen

Invitation to the Celebration of the Word of God

Celebrant:   Candidates come into the church, to share fully with us at the table of God's Word.

 Candidates are directed to their seats. OR Instructed to do so by MC. This will depend on whether the Candidates are welcomed at the Vestibule or at the foot of the Altar.

Introit of the Mass

Celebrant:   (invites the Candidates with their sponsors to stand)

Candidates please stand with you sponsors to receive the sign of your way of life as Catechumens.

MC:   Father ___________, I present to you (#)_______ candidates that have been prepared 

and are ready for the Rite of Acceptance.

Celebrant:    These catechumens, who are our Brothers and Sisters, have already traveled a long road. We rejoice with them in the gentle guidance of God who has brought them to this day. Let us pray that they may press onward until they come to share fully in our way of life.

Intercession for the Catechumens

MC:   That God the Father may reveal His Christ to them more and more with every passing day,

Let us Pray to the Lord

R:  Lord Hear our Prayer

MC:   That they may undertake with generous hearts and souls whatever God may ask if them,

Let us Pray to the Lord

R:  Lord Hear our Prayer

MC:   That they may have our sincere and unfailing support every step of the way,

Let us Pray to the Lord

R:  Lord Hear our Prayer

MC:   That they may find in our community compelling signs of unity and generous love,

Let us Pray to the Lord

R:  Lord Hear our Prayer

MC:   That in due time they may be found worthy to receive the Baptism of new birth and renewal in the Holy Spirit.

Let us Pray to the Lord

R:  Lord Hear our Prayer

Celebrant:   {God of our forbearers and } God of all creation, we ask you to look favorably on your servants N______ and N_________  . Make them fervent in spirit, joyful in hope, and always ready to serve Your Name.

Lead them, Lord, to the baptism of new birth, so that, living a faithful life in the company of Your faithful, they may receive the eternal reward that You promise.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Our Lord.

R:  Amen

Celebrant:    My dear friends, this community now sends you forth to reflect more deeply upon the word of God which you have shared with us today. Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you. We look forward to the day when you will share fully in the Lord's Table.

R:  Thanks be to God

MC:    Sponsors and Godparents, please return to your pews. Catechumens, please follow your catechists for further instruction on God's written word.

( at this point the Catechumens are escorted by the designated leader holding the Written word of God )