Appendix 2 A Rite for Admission of Catechumens
A Rite for Admission of Catechumens
This form is to be used for adults, or older children who are able to answer for themselves, at the beginning of a course of instruction in the teachings of the Church. It is to be used in preparation for Holy Baptism or, if those seeking admission were baptized as infants, for Confirmation.
Greeting
On the day appointed, the persons to be received as Catechumens are brought by their sponsors to the church and remain by the principal door until the Gospel has been proclaimed.
The Celebrant greets them at the door.
Celebrant What is your hope?
Catechumens New life in Christ.
Celebrant What do you desire of God and of this congregation?
Catechumens That I may grow in faith, hope, and love.
Then the Celebrant says,
If you hope to enter into eternal life, you must, by his grace, follow in our Lord’s steps, for he said: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Examination
Then the Celebrant asks,
Will you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior?
I will, with God’s help.
As none can do this without God’s grace, found in Word and Sacrament, will you join with us in our common life of worship, teaching, service, and fellowship?
I will.
Enrollment and Exorcism
The Celebrant leads them to the chancel steps, where they kneel, and the Celebrant prays over them, saying,
Let us pray.
O Lord God of hosts, before the terrors of whose presence the armies of Hell are put to flight: Deliver these your servants from the powers of the world, the flesh, and the Devil; cast out from them every evil and unclean spirit that lurks in the heart, and any spirit of error or wickedness; and make them ready to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Celebrant then makes the sign of the Cross upon the forehead of each one (and may use the Oil of Catechumens to do so), saying to each,
Almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness and evil and lead you into the light and obedience of the kingdom of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing
The Catchumens all kneeling, the Celebrant then blesses them, saying,
Almighty God, who in his love for you has called you to the knowledge of his grace, grant you an entrance into his kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Sponsors accompany Catechumens to seats among the people.
The service continues with the Sermon and Nicene Creed.