Our parish welcomed 30 candidates for full entrance into the Catholic Church, one of our largest classes in recent history. On the first Sunday of Advent, St. John Cantius Church held the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming. The candidates were greeted at the door of the church and a sign of the cross was traced on their forehead. This tradition is a visible reminder for the whole parish of the Church’s call for all of us, who have received Baptism, to take active responsibility in the formation of our Catechumens and Candidates.
"Dear friends, the Church joyfully welcomes today those who will be received into the order of catechumens. We also greet those who, already one with us by baptism, now wish to complete their initiation through confirmation and Eucharist and to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
For all of these, we give thanks and praise to the God who has led them by various paths to oneness in faith. My dear candidates, you are welcomed in the name of Christ."
Please keep our new Catechumens, Candidates, and other RCIA students in your daily prayers as they continue on their journey towards reception of the sacraments and communion with the Church at the Easter vigil.