RCIA Rite of Acceptance

In the rites of acceptance and enrollment we as a parish take on the responsibility of these people. At the RCIA rite of acceptance the RCIA inquirers stand before the church stating they are wanting to become members of the Catholic faith, they want to be part of the kingdom of Christ. At the rite of acceptance our RCIA candidates have their sponsors present. These sponsors take a physical and active role in the rite by making the sign of the cross on their ears, eyes, lips, heart, hands, shoulders, and feet. While it may feel that all of the action of the rite is happening at the front of the church with the candidates, the rest of the assembly should not feel their role is passive. The congregation also speaks along with the sponsors and takes ownership over the RCIA candidates. It is our obligation as a Catholic parish to walk with our candidates by praying for them, reaching out to invite them to ministry events, helping them feel welcomed, and celebrating with them when they are fully initiated into the faith at the Easter Vigil.