I am now a sponsor in the combined St. Paul's/Oratory RCIA class. On Sunday, our class participated in the Combined Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming. It is one of my favorite ceremonies. For those who are unfamiliar with this rite, in particular my Protestant readers, I reproduce some of it here.
- Receive the sign of the cross on your forehead as a reminder of your baptism into Christ's saving death and resurrection.
- Receive the sign of the cross on your ears, that you may hear the voice of the Lord.
- Receive the sign of the cross on your eyes, that you may see the glory of God.
- Receive the sign of the cross on your lips, that you may respond to the word of God.
- Receive the sign of the cross over your heart, that Christ may dwell there by faith.
- Receive the sign of the cross on your shoulders, that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ.
- Receive the sign of the cross on your hands, that Christ may be known in the work which you do.
- Receive the sign of the cross on your feet, that you may walk in the way of Christ.
Isn't that powerful and inspiring? For me, it's like a renewal of baptismal vows, but better. It's a vivid reminder of what we are to do with our lives. We must remember the Lord in all we do, listen for His still, small voice, behold His glory, praise Him with our lips, enthrone Christ in our hearts, take up our crosses daily, participate obediently in His creation, and follow Him.
"And he said to all, 'If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'" - Luke 9:23 and Matthew 11:29-30
Funky Dung
Comments 3
Welcome to the Sponsors Club
You may be interested to know that the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale use pretty much the exact same rite when welcoming their new candidates. I'd seen it done twice with the sisters before I even knew that it was part of RCIA as well.
P.S. Who's this "Eric Williams" character?
+0
Posted 14 Dec 2004 at 2:59 pm ¶As with most things Catholic, this is very beautiful.
Oh, and here I thought you were going to follow Jerry's and my good example of using real names… I guess nom de Floyd are hard to drop!
Bye!
+0
Posted 14 Dec 2004 at 5:55 pm ¶I forget where I read it, but pseudonyms were highly recommended for all but the most famous bloggers, i.e. people who get recognition in the Big Blue Room™.
+0
Posted 14 Dec 2004 at 6:15 pm ¶Post a Comment