The Rite of Acceptance

I was formally accepted into the catechumenate at St. Ignatius parish this last Sunday (first Sunday of Advent)

I was deeply touched by the ceremony. All of those catechumens (def: persons receiving conversion teachings) were lined up with me in the foyer outside the main hall of the church. As the priest approached the large glass doors, we all knocked for the congregation to hear. The priest then opened the doors and welcomed us all in, asking each one of us, formally, what we were seeking. We were then led to the front of the church where each one of us was blessed by our sponsors while standing in front of the congregation. My sponsor, Carol, is a large jolly black lady with a very warm smile. While the priest read the blessing, she drew a cross with her hand across my forehead, then my eyes, then my ears, then my heart, shoulders, hands, and feet. I had to assist her with the feet as she has bad knees. I was so touched while she did this that I ended up crying. It kind of reminded me of a wedding.

I find it so uplifting and inspiring that these formal practices take place at the Catholic church on a regular basis. The mass itself is very formal, and it is offered at least a couple times a day.

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