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“The rite that is called the rite of acceptance into the order of catechumens is of the utmost importance. Assembling publicly for the first time, the candidates who have completed the period of the precatechumenate declare their intention to the Church and the Church in turn, carrying out its apostolic mission, accepts them as persons who intend to become its members. God showers his grace on the candidates, since the celebration manifests their desire publicly and marks their reception and first consecration by the Church.” (Christian Initiation of Adults 14)

This Sunday at the 10:00 am Mass, St. Olaf will celebrate the Rite of Acceptance for those who are participating in RCIA, preparing to receive the Easter sacraments in April. This year we have introduced a new format for the RCIA program here at St. Olaf. The group has been meeting on Sunday mornings following the 10:00 am Mass in Fleming Hall. In these classes we have discussed such areas as the sacraments, the liturgical year and the Bible. There has been both lecture and time for questions and discussion. This series of catechetical classes has also been open to the public and has been a wonderful opportunity for parishioners to learn more about the faith. People are welcome to join the group to hear any of the talks. The morning lectures will continue to be open to the public and I invite you to join us after the 10:00 am Mass.

This year there are a total of 22 RCIA participants: 4 catechumens preparing for baptism, 13 candidates preparing to enter the Church from other Christian denominations, and 5 Catholics who are preparing for adult confirmation. Over the past 10 weeks, these men and women have participated in these classes and learned more about our Catholic faith. They have been participating with the parish in prayer and worship on Sundays and this weekend will officially make their intentions known before the Church. Their dedication and commitment to learning more about Christ and the Church continues to be a powerful example to me in my own journey of faith. I ask you to join me in continued prayer during these next months for these men and women and for their journey in RCIA.

God of all creation, we ask you to look favorably on your servants; 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 fruitful life in the company of your faithful, they may receive the eternal reward you promise. We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Lord. Amen.