THE RITE OF ACCEPTANCE

What a day! Our first major rite occurred today! We had the Rite of Acceptance/Welcoming at the 9 o’clock Mass. It was a tad nerve-wracking, but after a bit of deep breathing and coaching from my sponsor, I managed to do pretty well, if I do say so myself. My greatest fear was having to tell the congregation why I wanted to join the Catholic Church. In the end, I didn’t use my own words. Instead, I used the words of
St. Cyprian of Carthage:

“I wish to join the Catholic Church because, as St. Cyprian of Carthage
wrote: ‘There is one God, and one Christ, and one Church, and one Chair
founded on Peter by the word of the Lord.’ “

The Rite was moving, much more so that I had anticipated. I can even say that it exceeding my expectations. Everyone else in the class had the same feeling, as well.

The day started on a hectic moment. Now, I had it planned that I’d be up a little early in order to take my time this a.m. But, no, that wasn’t to be! Somehow, I ran out of time and I was luck to get my hair done, makeup on, get dressed, and run out the door. It was miracle that I was able to make it to church at the preappointed time of 8:40. There was no shortage of stress already, but that just about topped it off.

Our class, sponsors, and RCIA team gathered in the narthex of the church. Father Fred Brucker had requested that we meet with him before the Mass in order to do a “huddle” to go over last minute details before marching out. Unfortunately, some of the sponsors did not show up. (Thankfully, mine was there, early.) We lined up, and as we did so, my nervousness went up a notch or two. The processional song began (We Three Kings), and we marched out. Down the aisle we went, bowed before the altar, and then took our places before the altar. I can still remember the awe I felt as I stood up, sensing Him standing there before me. I was in His presence.

The Rite itself was beautiful. Originally, we were supposed to speak into a microphone in response to the priest’s inquiry into the reason we wanted to join. Father Brucker had told us that the microphone was missing for the first time since he started. A coincidence, or blessing? (Personally, I’m thinking the latter!) Anyway, that went well, and I managed to get through it without stumbling on myself. Surprise, surprise.

After we finished that part of the Rite, the scriptures were read, and we were presented with our bibles. Father prayed over us again, and then we were dismissed. The greatest part of that was when the congregation serenaded us out of the sanctuary. It reminded me of a lullaby. It was beautiful.

Following the rite, we went downstairs. Larry, our director, had us discuss our experiences during the service. We went around the table, and for most of us, it was incredibly moving. How could it not be?

After the morning Masses, we topped our day off with the Epiphany Party, an annual gathering held for the parishioners. It was quite a spread. I got to sit with my sponsor, her family, and Jerry and Irene (two of our RCIA catechists, friends, and mentors to me.) Too bad most of our class didn’t go. I spent a good deal of time speaking with Jerry and Irene about my future plans once I entered the Church.

(Just for kicks, I’ve added the following article is from our parish bulletin for today…..

RICA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Today, during the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming at the 9:00 AM Mass, 9 persons are committing to continue their journey of discernment
toward the reception of the Sacrament of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Of these, Steven Broekema, who is to be baptized will enter the period of the Catechumenate. The others will prepare to be confirmed and receive Eucharist. Those candidates are: Elisabeth Chase, Marc Groenleer, Nicole DeHaan, Shirley Kloet, Amy Lansdale, Joel Postma, Mary Rees, and Melissa Pawlanta.

During the Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming, all the senses of each person are blessed to enhance their openness to put of Christ. They also receive the Bible as a road map for the journey. The best gift however, is the prayerful support of the worshipping community! We are all in the process together, and let us continue to pray for one another throughout this journey.