The Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming

(Same rite, called acceptance for those un-baptised and welcoming for those already baptised.)

This is sort of an inside peek... we were not told exactly what to expect beforehand, the only thing we were told was that we would be asked questions, and we were told 2 important questions to prepare answers for. Our RCIA group leader later said were were lucky, because lots of groups don't even tell you the two important questions, they keep everything a mystery.

We were told to meet in the Church courtyard before Mass, and as Mass was about to start we were led around to the door of the Church. We could see and hear the people inside, the church has big double doors.

We were positioned in a semi circle facing the doors, and were asked not to pay attention to what was being said inside, to just wait. I heard some but tried not to pay attention... after some talking the congregation was asked to turn around to face the doors and witness the start of the Rite. This part was symbolic of us as strangers, coming to the Church door, asking to come in.

Our sponsors came out of the Church and welcomed us, then each sponsor stood behind their catechumen/candidate, with a hand resting on their shoulder. I was happy to see my sponsor, and felt more at ease with her there as support. The Father came out, and starting at one end of the semi-circle, asked the sponsor to introduce themself and their catechumen/candidate. Next we were asked the two Important questions we had prepared answers for. "What do you ask of this parish Church community?" I answered "A deeper realtionship with God and a nurturing community." "What will that bring you?" My answer was "Peace, Love and Joy."

After everyone was introduced and asked the questions we were welcomed into the Church. My sponsor led me to the pew that was chosen for us to sit together. The usual Bible readings of the Mass were done and after the Gospel reading and homily, the Father asked us catechumens/candidates to stand and he said a few things welcoming us further. We were then asked to step out into the aisle, facing our sponsor for the Signing of the Senses. It was truly beautiful and moving. The Father led our sponsors through signing us with the sign of the Cross on our forehead, our ears, our eyes, our mouth, our heart, our shoulders, our hands, our feet and then our entire body. Each time the Father said something relevant to that body part... ears- that you may hear the voice of the Lord, eyes- that you may see the glory of God, mouth- that you may respond to the word of God, heart- that Christ may dwell there by faith, shoulders- that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ, hands- that Christ may be known in the work which you do, feet- that you may walk in the way of Christ. I really had to fight off tears, I could really feel the Holy Spirit there.

Next we were asked to come forward to the altar, and we were again lined up in a semi-circle with our sponsors standing behind us and their hand on our shoulder. A large wooden cross was brought out, it must have been about 6 or 7 feet tall. One by one the cross was brought to us, and we were told to embrace it. As I laid a hand on the cross, Father asked if I willingly accepted the cross of Christ and then asked if I would take up the cross in discipleship each day. Both times I answered "Yes, I do." I was again fighting off tears. It meant so much to be standing there, publically proclaiming my acceptance of the redeeming sacrifice that Christ made on the Cross. The whole time our sponsors had been wearing a necklace, a wooden cross on a leather cord. After we had each proclaimed our intentions on the large cross, Father instructed our sponsors to take the cross from then and place it on us. Oddly enough I had anticipated that, and turned to face my sponsor as she placed the cross over my head.

I guess that is when it really hit me, in that moment I knew that Christ had really died just for me, for my salvation. I tuned around and once more faced the congregation, and really had to fight off the tears and wipe my eyes. The Father then asked members of the congregation that had been picked beforehand to come up and we were each presented with a Bible by a member of the congregation. It really helped to make me feel part of the community. The Father then led the Congregation in a blessing and intercessory prayers over us and we were dismissed for a Gospel study called "Breaking open the Word", while the rest of the congregation celebrated the Eucharist.

It was truly the most spiritual experience I have had yet... I cannot imagine how moving my actual baptism will be, I will probably be sobbing.

Peace be with you,
Melissa
(Missy/LissaBee)