The Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate and Welcoming of the Candidates

As the OCIA Coordinator at St. Timothy since 2020, the Team and I have realized that not all parishioners really understand the various Rites involved in the OCIA program. We currently have 20 adults, 11 teens and about 10 children all preparing to come into the church this Easter! Hopefully this article will help you appreciate the process and support those seeking to enter into full communion in the church.

The Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate and Welcoming of the Candidates will occur at the9:30 Mass on Sunday, Nov. 30. This Rite is the beginning of the faith journey of those wishing to be received into the order of catechumen (those not baptized) or candidate (those who have been baptized in accordance with the Church). This ceremonial Rite begins with the catechumens and candidates waiting just outside the doors of the Church. After the opening song, entrance procession, and greeting, they begin knocking on the doors. This is symbolic of asking for help on this journey, seeking to become closer to Him, and knocking, and the door will be opened. At the invitation of our Pastor, Fr. Bolte, they enter and stand just inside the doors behind the baptismal font with their sponsors. Fr. Bolte invites the church community to welcome these catechumens and candidates, pray for them, and support them in their initiation into the Christian faith by Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

We, as parishioners, are obligated to share our faith according to our apostolic abilities. By celebrating this Rite during a Sunday Mass, we can encourage and support these catechumens and candidates on their faith journey and commitment to the Church.

Please help us support them and pray for them. It is a wonderful way to begin the season of Advent!