. . . he . . . called us to the glory that has made us a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart. . . . called us out of darkness into your own wonderful light (I Preface, Sundays in Ordinary Time).
The catechumen is welcomed into the community with the mark of the sign of the Cross of Jesus.
We use the Word to teach about the mystery into which the person is seeking to enter.
We pray for the catechumen to be able to persevere in the spiritual journey about to begin.
The catechumen is exorcised to be separated from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of Light.
The person is questioned to verify faith and the intention of an unconditional commitment.
We wash the person for purification from sin, transformation into the new creation and incorporation into Christ.
The catechumen is anointed as a gesture of identification with Christ Priest, Prophet and King.
The person is dressed in a white garment to show the world the new interior life now to be enjoyed.
The catechumen is enlightened by the flame of the Paschal Candle that shows the good path to be taken with understanding and courage.
The person is empowered by a touch on the ears to hear the Gospel and on the mouth to proclaim the Good News.
This is the rite that designates the holy nation, the redeemed people, the chosen race, the royal priesthood. This is the rite of baptismal initiation into the risen life of Christ.
The zebra doesn’t undo his stripes. (Masai)
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