Rites

PARISH RECEPTION OF NAMES

Rite of Sending

(Catechumens and Candidates)

TO TAKE PLACE AFTER THE HOMILY

PARISH RECEPTION OF NAMES

 

Celebrant: We have heard the Good News of the Lord proclaimed. Let us now hear how the Word has been coming to life among us.

Presenter: Father, we have Catechumens with us today who are now ready to undertake the Lenten journey to Easter, when they will come to the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Now they ask that they be recognized for the progress they have made in their spiritual formation and that they receive the assurance of our blessing and prayers as they go forth to the Rite of Election.

Celebrant: Those who are to be sent to the Celebration of Election in Christ, come forward, together with those who will be your Godparents.

Presenter: The Catechumens are……..(names).

(Catechumens come forward with their Godparents as their names are announced.)

AFFIRMATION BY THE GODPARENTS [AND THE ASSEMBLY]

Celebrant: [to the assembly] My dear friends, these Catechumens who have been preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation hope that they will be found ready to participate in the Rite of Election and be chosen in Christ for the Easter sacraments. It is the responsibility of this community to inquire about their readiness before they are presented to the Bishop.

[to the Godparents] I turn to you, Godparents, for your testimony. Do you and their Catechists consider that they are ready to undertake the Lenten journey to the Easter sacraments?

Godparents: They are.

Celebrant: Have they given evidence of their conversion by the example of their lives?

Godparents: They have.

Celebrant: Godparents, these brothers and sisters of ours are considered to be ready to come with us to Easter. Are you prepared to live this Lent with them in a true spirit of faith and repentance?

Godparents: We are!

Celebrant: to Catechumens only My dear Catechumens, on the (date) at the Cathedral, the Archbishop, speaking in the name of the Church, will formally call you to the Easter sacraments. I ask you to offer your names on the blue scroll, that this may be presented to the Archbishop and inscribed in the Book of the Elect.

[The Catechumens (un-baptised) now sign the blue scroll]

 

PRESENTATION OF THE CANDIDATES

Presenter: Father, We also have Candidates here today who have already been baptised in other Christian Churches. These Candidates, whom I now present to you, are beginning their final period of preparation for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist (or: preparation to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church). They have found strength in God’s grace and support in our community’s prayers and example.

Now they ask that they be recognized for the progress they have made in their spiritual formation and that they receive the assurance of our blessings and prayers as they go forth for recognition by the Archbishop.

Celebrant: Those who are to be recognized please, come forward, together with those
who will be your Sponsors.

Presenter: The Candidates are……..(names).

(Candidates come forward with their sponsors as their names are announced.)

Celebrant: [to the Sponsors] As God as your witness, do you consider these Candidates ready to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist?

Sponsors: We do.

Celebrant: (to assembly) Trusting in the word of the Sponsors and your own experience of their growth amongst us, are you ready to take the Lenten journey with them and support their spiritual preparation to share the Eucharist with us this Easter?

All: We are!

Celebrant: My dear friends, these Candidates, already one with us by reason of their Baptism in Christ, have asked to complete their Initiation (or – to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church)

Those who know them have judged them to be sincere in their desire.

During the period of their catechetical formation, they have listened to the Word of Christ and endeavored to follow His commands more perfectly; they have shared the company of their Christian brothers and sisters in this community and joined with them in prayer.

And so, I announce to all of you here, that our community ratifies their desire to complete their Initiation (or: to be received into full communion). Therefore, I ask their Sponsors to state their opinion once again, so that all of you may hear.

(To the Sponsors) As God as your witness, do you consider these Candidates ready to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist?

Sponsors: We do.

Celebrant: to Candidates only My dear Candidates, since you wish to join us at the Easter table this year, I invite you to pledge yourselves by offering your names on the red scroll that this may be presented to the Archbishop and inscribed in the Book of Recognition at the Cathedral.

[The Candidates (baptized) now sign the red scroll]

RECITATION OF THE CREED

Celebrant addresses the whole assembly: Let us stand and together recite the Creed.

 

UNIVERSAL PRAYER

Invitation by Celebrant

Reader: For our Catechumens, (N. Catechumens) and our Candidates, (N. Candidates), as they prepare to come to the Easter sacraments, may they be strengthened in faith and give themselves totally to Christ. Lord hear us.

Reader: For the Sponsors, Catechists and all who have helped our Catechumens, (N.), and our Candidates, (N.) on their journey of faith, that they may be rewarded for the example and encouragement they have given. Lord hear us.

Reader: For our (N.) Parish community, that this may be a fruitful Lent, so that we
may be properly prepared for the coming Easter Feast. Lord hear us.

[At the end of the petitions, the Celebrant lays hands on the head of the Catechumens and Candidates in silence. Godparents and Sponsors follow by laying hands on each Catechumen and Candidate. The Celebrant may also invite the assembly to raise their hands towards the Catechumens and Candidates during the prayer, at his discretion]

Prayer Over Catechumens and Candidates

Celebrant: Gracious God, you make all things new in Christ and draw all people to yourself. Look with love on our Catechumens, (N.), who thirst for the living waters of Baptism and on our Candidates, (N.) who hunger for the Eucharist. Guide them in the days ahead.

All: Amen.

 

INVITATION TO CATECHUMENS AND CANDIDATES

Celebrant:  Although you cannot yet participate fully in the Lord’s Eucharist, stay with us as a sign of our hope that all God’s children will eat and drink with the Lord and work with His Spirit to recreate the face of the earth.

All: Amen.

[Catechumens and Candidates return to their places with their Godparents and Sponsors] Or

DISMISSAL OF CATECHUMENS

Celebrant: My dear friends, you are about to set out on the road that leads to the glory of Easter. Christ will be your way, your truth, and your life. In His name, we send you forth from this community to celebrate with the Archbishop the Lord’s choice of you to be numbered among His Elect. Until we meet again for the Scrutinies, walk always in His peace. Catechumens: Amen.

All: Thanks be to God.

 

Continue with the LITURGY of the EUCHARIST

The Period of Purification and  Enlightenment corresponds to the time known in the Catholic Church as Lent, the six-weeks of preparation for Easter. This period becomes a prayerful time for catechumens and candidates, who are now known as the Elect, as they prepare for the moment of welcome as full members of the Catholic Church.

Throughout Lent, special prayers are offered at the Sunday Eucharist for the catechumens and candidates; they are called scrutinies. These prayers for strengthening in grace and virtue and for purification from all past evil and from any bonds which hinder them from experiencing the love of God. Throughout this period, the Elect are invited to join with the whole Church in a deeper practice of works of charity and in the practice of fasting.

During this period, the common reflection on the Scriptures continues; the readings of Lent were chosen with the themes of continuing conversion in mind. Toward the end of this period, the Church continues the custom of ‘handing over’/entrusting to the Elect the Creed (the summary of our faith) and the Lord’s Prayer.

At the conclusion of the period, the catechumens and candidates are initiated into the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil.

[RCIA 125-136]

 

The Sacraments of Initiation

When we were baptised we joined with Jesus in death so that we might walk in the newness of his life.

The Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the Easter Vigil. At the Easter Vigil, the Elect are Baptised, Confirmed and received their first Holy Communion. marking full membership in the Church. Candidates enter into full communion with the Church through a Profession of faith, Confirmation and receiving Holy Communion.  From this time the newly initiated are known as neophytes for the first year of their new life in Christ.

[RCIA 198-210]

FIRST SCRUTINY
3rd Sunday of Lent

Gospel Reading – Cycle A

 

TO TAKE PLACE AFTER THE HOMILY

INVITATION TO SILENT PRAYER

Celebrant, invite the Elect with their Godparents to come forward.

 

Celebrant: address the assembly

Today the Church calls the Elect to conversion. To deepen their
resolve to hold fast to Christ and to carry out the decision to love
God above all. Let us all pray at this time in silence for them to be
given a spirit of repentance, a sense of sin and strength of will to live
in true freedom as children of God.

 

Celebrant: address the Elect

My dear Elect, I invite you to join your prayers to this community of
faith, and bow your heads (or kneel) as we intercede to God on your
behalf.

 

INTERCESSIONS FOR THE ELECT

N.B. there are two series of the intercessions, ‘A’ and ‘B’. For more,
or alternate intercessions, see RCIA 140-ff.

During the intercessions Godparents should stand behind the Elect and place
their right hand on the right shoulder of the Elect during the intercessions.

 

Option A.

Celebrant: Let us pray for these our elect whom the Church has confidently
chosen. May they successfully complete their long preparation and
at the paschal feast find Christ in His sacraments.

Reader: That they may ponder the word of God in their hearts and savor its meaning more fully day by day, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That they may learn to know Christ, who came to save what was lost, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That they may humbly confess themselves to be sinners, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That they may sincerely reject everything in their lives that is
displeasing and contrary to Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That the Holy Spirit, who searches every heart, may help them to
overcome their weakness through His power, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That their families also may put their hope in Christ and find peace and holiness in him, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer

Reader: That throughout the whole world whatever is weak may be
strengthened, whatever is broken restored, whatever is lost found,
and what is found redeemed, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

OR
Option B.

Reader: That, like the woman of Samaria, our Elect may review their lives
before Christ and acknowledge their sins, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That they may be freed from the spirit of mistrust that deters people from following Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That while awaiting the gift of God, they may long with all their
hearts for the living water that brings eternal life, let us pray to the
Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That by accepting the Son of God as their teacher, they may become
true worshipers of the Father in spirit and in truth, let us pray to the
Lord

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader:  That they may share with their friends and neighbors the wonder of their own meeting with Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That those whose lives are empty for want of the word of God may come to the Gospel of Christ, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That all of us, by the example of our lives may become in Christ the light of the world, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader: That every inhabitant of the earth may acknowledge the true God,
the Creator of all things, who bestows upon us the gift of Spirit
and life, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, hear our prayer.

 

EXORCISM PRAYER

Celebrant: Celebrant face the Elect and pray,

All-merciful Father,
through your Son you revealed your mercy
to the woman of Samaria;
and moved by that same care
you have offered salvation to all sinners.
Look favorably on these elect,
who desire to become your adopted children
through the power of your sacraments.
Free them from the slavery of sin,
and for Satan’s crushing yoke
exchange the gentle yoke of Jesus.
Protect them in every danger,
that they may serve you faithfully in peace and joy and render you thanks for eve.

All: Amen.

Celebrant, lay hands on each of the Elect in silence.
(Laying On of Hands on each Elect – individually)

Celebrant: pray over the Elect with outstretched hands.

Lord Jesus,
in your merciful wisdom
you touched the heart of the sinful woman
and taught her to worship the Father
in spirit and in truth.
Now, by your power,
free these elect from the cunning Satan,
as they draw near to the fountain of living water.
Touch their hearts with the power of the Holy Spirit,
that they may come to know the Father
in true faith, which expresses itself in love,
for you live and reign for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

 

DISMISSAL OF THE ELECT

Celebrant: My dear friends, this community now sends you forth to reflect more
deeply upon the word of God which you have shared with us today.
Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you. Go in peace.

The Elect, along with their Catechist, process out of the church. The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins.

Presentation and Recitation of the Creed

Third Week of Lent

TO TAKE PLACE AFTER THE HOMILY

 

Give the elect a simple paper copy of the chosen Creed after the Liturgy

Do not give any printed text of the Creed during the Liturgy; the Rite does not
call for it. The presentation is an oral (by the faithful) and aural (by the Elect) one,
a verbally presented hearing of the beloved text. It is a ritual summary of the
teaching and formation already received during the long period of the
catechumenate that will help make them ready to profess that same faith
personally at Baptism.

 

Celebrant: Let the elect now come forward to receive the Creed from the

Church.

 

Celebrant: address the Elect

My dear friends, listen carefully to the words of that faith by which
you will be justified. The words are few, but the mysteries the
contain are great. Receive them with the sincere heart and be
faithful to them.

 

Option A                             APOSTLES’ CREED

 Celebrant alone begin…

Celebrant: I believe in God, the Father almighty,

As the Elect listen, he continues with the assembly of the faithful.

Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

(At the words that follow, up to and including
the Virgin Mary, all bow.)

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended into hell;

on the third day he rose again from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting. Amen.

 

Option A                           NICENE CREED

Celebrant alone begin…

Celebrant: I believe in one God,

As the Elect listen, he continues with the assembly of the faithful.

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

(At the words that follow, up to and including and became man, all bow.)

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

PRAYER OVER THE ELECT

Celebrant: Let us pray for the Elect, that God in his mercy may make them
responsive to his love, so that through the waters of rebirth they may
receive pardon for their sins and have life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

All pray in silence.

Celebrant: pray over the Elect with outstretched hands.

Lord,

Eternal source of light, justice and truth,

Take under you care

Your servant/s N…

Purify them and make them holy;

give them true knowledge, sure hope, and sound understanding,

and make them worthy

to receive the grace of Baptism

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

 

DISMISSAL OF THE ELECT

Celebrant: My dear friends, this community now sends you forth to reflect more
deeply upon the word of God which you have shared with us today.
Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you. Go in peace.

The Elect, along with their Catechist, process out of the church. The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins

Presentation of the Lord’s Prayer

Fifth Week of Lent

TO TAKE PLACE AFTER THE HOMILY

 

 

Celebrant: I invite our Elect to come forward to receive the Lord’s prayer.

Celebrant: address the Elect My dear friends, listen carefully to the words of that faith by which
you will be justified. The words are few, but the mysteries they
contain are great. Receive them with a sincere heart and be faithful
to them.

GOSPEL READING (PRESENTATION OF THE LORD’S PRAYER)

If presenting the Lord’s Prayer outside of Lent, then use the Gospel
reading of the Lord’s prayer according to Matthew.

 

If presenting the Prayer during the Lent, then ask the Elect to listen
carefully to the words of the prayer as it is recited by the celebrant
slowly and deliberately.

 

PRAYER OVER THE ELECT

 

Celebrant: Let us pray for the Elect, that God in his mercy may make them
responsive to his love, so that through the waters of rebirth they may
receive pardon for their sins and have life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

All pray in silence.

 

Celebrant: pray over the Elect with outstretched hands.

Almighty and eternal God, you continually enlarge the family of your Church.

Deepen the faith and understanding
of these Elect, chosen for baptism.
Give them new birth in your living waters,
so that they may be numbered among your adopted children.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

 

DISMISSAL OF THE ELECT

 

Celebrant: My dear friends, this community now sends you forth to reflect more
deeply upon the word of God which you have shared with us today.
Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you. Go in peace.

The Elect, along with their Catechist, process out of the church.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins.

Easter Vigil Liturgy

Are you aware that we who were baptised into
Christ Jesus were baptised into his death.

[Rom.6: 3]

 

Some considerations for the celebration.

• The Priest calls forth the Elect to be Baptised.
  Consider: Will the Oil of Catechumens be administered during
  the Baptismal Liturgy or prior to the Easter Vigil?

 

• The Candidates being Confirmed do not take part in the Baptismal
  Liturgy. This does not exclude them, but rather, since their
  Baptism is already recognised, they should remain with the
  whole assembly, as our brothers and sisters in Christ, bearing
  witness to the Baptism of the Elect.

 

• Parishes that prefer to keep the whole RCIA group together, that
  is both Catechumens and Candidates, must consider the
  importance of the grace of Baptism, which Candidates have
  already received.
  Suggestion: the elect wear white; the Candidates wear yellow or
  red. Wearing these liturgical colours gives clarity to them and the
  whole Parish.

 

• At the time to receive holy communion, the Priest invites the newly
  Baptised and Confirmed to receive holy communion before the
  congregation.

Offer an explanation to the Elect and Candidates prior to the Easter Vigil
of the Blessing of the Paschal Candle, to deepen the understanding of
the Elect’s Baptismal candle being lit from the Paschal Candle. Those
Baptised outside of the Easter Vigil may be disconnected from the
symbolic ritual and meaning of the Paschal Light of Christ. In Parishes
where many Baptisms occur throughout the year, the Paschal Candle
can burn very low. Thereby, the newness of the Paschal Candle evokes
the renewal of Church and Parish life, transformed over the Lenten
Season by the greatest Liturgical feast of Easter.

INTRODUCTION

 

Opening Commentary

Commentator: (edit to suit Parish needs)

Example one

Good evening, and welcome to the Easter Vigil Mass. A special
welcome to visitors to this community, the RCIA Elect,
Candidates and their Sponsors and families.

This is the night truly blessed when the light of Christ rises once
again in glory. We wait with our Elect for Christ to come from
the tomb.

Tonight’s ceremony consists of four parts:
The vigil begins with the Service of Light,
then we move into the Liturgy of the Word, and the Liturgy of
Baptism and Confirmation
This is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Example two

Welcome to this most sacred Liturgy. This evening we have the
joy and pleasure of welcoming into the Christian family through
(N.) their/his/her Baptism tonight.

We also welcome (N.) who is/are already our brother(s) and
sister(s) in Christ; already Baptised, they have chosen to join
into Full Communion with the Catholic faith within our Parish
Community. Tonight they, with the newly Baptised, will receive
the Sacrament of Confirmation and make their first Holy
Communion.

This is the night truly blessed when the light of Christ rises once
again in glory. We wait with our Elect for Christ to come from
the tomb.

Tonight’s ceremony consists of four parts:

The vigil begins with the Service of Light,
then we move into the Liturgy of the Word, and the Liturgy of
Baptism and Confirmation
This is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist

Please all proceed outside for the commencement of the Easter
Vigil with the Blessing of the Fire and new Paschal Candle. The
Church will be in darkness as the new light of Christ is
processed in.

 

THE SERVICE OF LIGHT

Lighting of the Easter Fire in courtyard

 

Commentator:  The service of light, which begins our vigil, commemorates the
resurrection of Christ, the `Light of the World’.

The Easter fire, when blessed, will light the Easter candle for
the first time. The procession of the Easter Candle into the
darkened Church, and the passing of the light from it to our
candles, is a rich and powerful link with Baptism.

The passing of Christ, the `Light of the World', from person to
person dispels the darkness of the Church. This symbolises
our collective power in a community when we act in Christ's
name, and of our responsibility in passing His light to our
neighbors.

Tonight, the Easter fire will be lit in the courtyard and then
processed into the darkened church. I invite all those who wish
to participate in the blessing of the fire ceremony to move
outside now.

Once people have moved outside
Turn lights off and only leave ambo on

 

Celebrant: Dear friends in Christ,
on this most holy night,
when our Lord Jesus Christ passed from death to life,
the Church invites her children throughout the world
to come together in vigil and prayer.
This is the Passover of the Lord:
if we honour the memory of His death and resurrection by
hearing His Word
and celebrating his mysteries,
then we may be confident
that we shall share His victory over death
and live with Him for ever in God.

 

Blessing the fire

Let us pray.

Father,
we share in the light of Your glory
through Your Son, the light of the world.
Make this new fire holy and inflame us with new hope.
Purify our minds by this Easter celebration
and bring us one day to the feast of eternal light.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

 

Blessing of The Easter Candle

 

Celebrant: 

Christ yesterday and today
the beginning and the end,
Alpha
and Omega;

all time belongs to Him,
and all the ages;
to Him be glory and power,
through every age for ever. Amen.

Insert “grains of incense”

By His holy
and glorious wounds
may Christ our Lord
guard us and keep us. Amen.

Light the candle from the new fire.

May the light of Christ, rising in glory,
Dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds

Celebrant then enters

Celebrant: Christ our light. (Sung)

All: Thanks be to God.

Exsultet: Sung

 

PART II

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

 

Readings

The Easter Vigil calls for 9 Readings with options available. However,
in choosing which Readings, the Law and the Prophets must be
included along with the Reading from Exodus 14 with the
accompanying Canticle. These cannot be excluded.
At least three Readings from the Hebrew Scriptures plus two Readings
from the New Testament must be proclaimed.
After each Reading, a Psalm or Canticle is proclaimed plus the
Presidential Prayer offered after each of the Readings.

 

Readings and prayers selected from the following

 

Switch on all the lights in the Church.

 

Gloria Sung (ring bells throughout the whole Gloria)

 

Opening Prayer of the Mass (Collect)

 

Celebrant: Let us pray.
O God, who make this most sacred night radiant
with the glory of the Lord’s Resurrection,
stir up in Your Church a spirit of adoption,
so that, renewed in body and mind,
we may render You undivided service.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

 

Epistle Romans 6:3-11

Solemn Alleluia     Sung by the Celebrant

Alleluia Responsorial Psalm      Sung by Choir

Gospel:

Year A Matthew 28:1-10
Year B Mark 16:1-7
Year C Luke 24:1-12

Homily

Part III

RITE OF BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION

 

Commentator

Tonight we are happy to celebrate the initiation into the Church
and our community of Parish (name) (number of) adults.
(Number) have already been Baptised in other Christian faiths.
These Baptisms are recognized as valid by the Church and will
not be repeated tonight.

 

THE LITURGY OF BAPTISM

 

Commentator

Through Baptism, we share Christ's resurrection by rising to
new life in Him. It is especially appropriate at the Vigil Mass,
when we celebrate Christ's resurrection, to partake in the
Liturgy of Baptism.

Celebrant invites the Elect to be Baptised to
come forward and stand at the step/steps of the sanctuary.

 

The Introductory Prayer

 

Celebrant

Dear friends, let us pray to almighty God for our brother(s)
(name) and our sister(s) (name), who are asking for Baptism.
He has called them and brought them to this moment; may He
grant them light and strength to follow Christ with resolute heart
and to profess the faith of the Church. May He give them new
life of the Holy Spirit, whom we are about to call down on this
water.

 

Litany of the Saints
The Blessing of the Water

 

Move to the font

 

Celebrant:

Father, You give us grace through sacramental signs,
which tell us of the wonders of Your unseen power.

In Baptism we use Your gift of water,
which You have made a rich symbol
of the grace You give us in this sacrament.

At the very dawn of creation
Your Spirit breathed on the waters,
making them the wellspring of all holiness.

The waters of the great flood
You made a sign of the waters of Baptism,
that make an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness.

Through the waters of the Red Sea
You led Israel out of slavery,
to be an image of God’s holy people,
set free from sin by Baptism.

In the waters of the Jordan
Your Son was baptised by John
and anointed with the Spirit.

Your Son willed that water and blood
should flow from His side
as He hung upon the cross.

Page 15 of 2

After His resurrection He told His disciples:
“Go out and teach all nations,
baptising them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Father, look now with love upon Your Church,
and unseal for her the fountain of Baptism.

By the power of the Spirit
give to the water of this font
the grace of your Son,
so that in the sacrament of Baptism
all whom you have created in Your own likeness
may be cleansed from sin and rise to a new birth of innocence
by the water and the Holy Spirit.

Lower the Easter candle into the water three times, continue:

We ask you, Father, with Your Son
to send the Holy Spirit upon the waters of this font.

Hold the candle in the water:

May all who are buried with Christ
in the death of Baptism
rise also with Him to newness of life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

 

Move back to the chair

 

THE PROFESSION OF FAITH

The Renunciation of Sin

 

Celebrant:

Dear friends,
through the paschal mystery
we have been buried with Christ in baptism,
so that we may rise with Him to a new life.
Now that we have completed our Lenten observance,
let us renew the promises we made in Baptism
when we rejected Satan and his works,
and promised to serve God faithfully
in His holy Catholic Church.

And I ask you:
Do you reject Satan?

All: I do.

And all his works?

All: I do.

And all his empty show?

All: I do.

Anointing with the Oil of Catechumens

 

We anoint you with the oil of salvation
in the name of Christ our Saviour.
may He strengthen you with His power,
who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

 

The Profession of Faith

 

Celebrant: 

Do you believe in God the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth?

All: I do.

Celebrant: 

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was born of the Virgin Mary,
was crucified, died, and was buried,
rose from the dead,
and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

All: I do.

Celebrant: 

Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life
everlasting?

All: I do.

The Baptism of the Candidates

Call forward the Elect

 

Celebrant: 

(Name) Is it your will to be Baptised in the faith of the Church
which we have all professed with you?

Elect: It is.

Celebrant: 

(Name) I baptise you in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

At the completion of the Baptism(s) the Celebrant blesses the
congregation with holy water.

 

Clothing with a Baptismal Garment

 

Celebrant: 

(Name) you have become a new creation
And have clothed yourself in Christ.
Receive this garment and bring it unstained to the judgement seat of our
Lord Jesus Christ, so that you may have everlasting life.

Newly Baptized: Amen.

 

Presentation of A Lighted Candle

 

Celebrant: 

Godparents, please come forward to give to the newly baptised
the light of Christ.

 

Godparents light the Baptismal candle from the paschal candle and

present it to the newly baptised with the words;

Receive the light of Christ.

 

Celebrant: 

You have been enlightened by Christ.
Walk always as children of the light
and keep the flame of faith alive in your hearts.
When the Lord comes, may you go to meet Him
with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom.

Newly Baptized: Amen.

 

CELEBRATION OF CONFIRMATION

 

Commentator

We now invite those to be Confirmed to come forward with their
Sponsors to join our brother(s) and sister(s) who have now
been Baptized.

 

Candidates come forward

 

Prayer of Invitation

 

Celebrant: 

Address the Candidates

 

My dear Candidates for Confirmation, by your Baptism you
have been born again in Christ and you have become members
of Christ and of His priestly people. Now you are to share in the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit among us, the Spirit sent by the
Lord upon His apostles at Pentecost and given by them and
their successors to the Baptized.

The promised strength of the Holy Spirit, which you are to
receive, will make you more like Christ and help you to be
witnesses to His suffering, death, and resurrection. It will
strengthen you to be active members of the Church and to build
up the Body of Christ in faith and love.

 

Address the assembly

 

My dear friends, let us pray to God the Father, that He will pour
out the Holy Spirit on these Candidates for Confirmation to
strengthen them with His gifts and anoint them to be more like
Christ, the Son of God.

 

Candidates and newly Baptised move onto the Sanctuary

 

Laying on of Hands

 

Celebrant: 

Hand outstretched over those to be Confirmed.

 

All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by the water and the Holy Spirit
You freed Your sons and daughters from sin and gave them
new life.

Send Your Holy Spirit upon them
to be their helper and guide.

Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of right judgement and courage,
the spirit of knowledge and reverence.
Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in Your presence.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

 

Celebrant lays hand on the hand of each person in silence.

 

Celebrant: 

Anoint each Candidate with the oil of Chrism.

N., be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Candidate: Amen

Celebrant: Peace be with you.

Candidate: And also with you.

 

Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)

 

Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful)

Before the distribution of holy communion

 

Commentator: 

Fittingly, the first to receive Holy Communion tonight will be the

newly Baptized and Confirmed.

 

Celebrant: 

Invite all the Candidates to come forward to the foot of the sanctuary
around the bottom step in a semi circle to receive Holy Communion together.

After all have received Holy Communion they return to their places and

Holy Communion proceeds as usual.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

 

Celebrant: 

Let us pray.
Father,
You enlighten all who come into the world.
Fill our hearts with the light of Your gospel,
That our thoughts may please You,
And our love be sincere.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.

CONCLUDING RITE

 

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

All: And also with you.

Celebrant: 

Bow your heads and pray for God’s blessing
May almighty God bless you on this solemn feast of Easter,
and may He protect you against all sin.

All: Amen.

Through the resurrection of His Son
God has granted us healing.
May He fulfil His promises,
and bless you with eternal life.

All: Amen.

You have mourned for Christ's sufferings;
now you celebrate the joy of His resurrection.
May you come with joy to the feast which lasts for ever.

All: Amen

May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen

Go in the peace of Christ, alleluia, alleluia.

All: Thanks be to God, alleluia, alleluia.

 

Resources

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (2003)

Congregation of Divine Worship. St Paul’s Publications.

Strathfield, NSW.

 

The Order of Confirmation (2015)

Roman Pontifical. St Paul’s Publications. Strathfield, NSW.

 

New Roman Missal

St Pauls Publications. Strathfield, NSW

 

 

 

 

Compiled as a guide for RCIA parish. Archdiocese of Perth.

 

COMMISSIONING CEREMONY OF THE NEOPHYTES

TO TAKE PLACE ON PENTECOST SUNDAY OR AFTER MYSTAGOGIA PERIOD

AFTER THE HOMILY

 

Celebrant invites the Neophytes to come forward.

Celebrant: My brothers and sisters who have recently been received into the
Catholic Church, you have heard the Good News of our Lord, Jesus
Christ. Through Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, you have
received power from the Holy Spirit to be faithful witnesses to the
Gospel way of life and encourage others to be followers of Jesus.
Are you prepared now to be missionaries of Jesus Christ?

Neophytes: We are.

Celebrant speaks to the community.

 

Celebrant: Brothers and sisters in the congregation, you have been members of our
Church for some time. You have been given strength to be missionaries
through the frequent hearing of God’s Word and through the Eucharistic
celebration. Are you prepared to give a lead to these new members in
spreading the Gospel and encouraging others to join our Church?

Congregation: We are.

Celebrant: Almighty and living God, in your wonderful plan for our eternal
happiness, You ordained that Your Son, Jesus Christ, should spread the
Good News among men and women. Through this Good News we have
come to some understanding of Your immense love for us to forgive our
sins. We realise that we must continue to grow spiritually and identify
ourselves with every aspects of the life of Jesus.
Strengthen these new members by the power of your Spirit so that they
may be faithful witnesses of the Gospel’s way of life. We ask this through
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Congregation: Amen.

Celebrant to the Neophytes

Celebrant: Go out and spread the good news to all you may meet.

New Converts: Amen.

The Neophytes rejoin the congregation.