St. Margaret of Scotland Parish |
The Catechumenate |
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January 2002 |
| On Sunday, November 18, nine men and women completed their time of Inquiry concerning the Catholic Faith and were received, into the RCIA's order of the Catechumenate. At this first public assembly, the candidates declared their desire for membership. They were joyfully welcomed by the parish community. |
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As pre-requisite for their entrance into this first step, the Church seeks for evidence of first faith, a certain rootedness in the spiritual life and in the fundamentals of the Christian teaching. There must be perceived some indication of initial conversion and desire to live a life with God in Jesus, and this in company with committed members of the Church. |
| Among our nine candidates, these “pre-requisites” are truly present in abundance. All nine were baptized into another faith community as infants or as young children. Each, clearly, has known God for a long time. |
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As they begin their journey with and in the Catholic community, these candidates are accompanied by sponsors who offer support and companionship along the way. These sponsors may be parishioners of our parish or Catholics who enjoy an already established relationship with the candidate. Other journeyers include the catechetical team, persons who lead the weekly reflections on Sacred Scripture and the Christian Life. | ||
| Persons attending the Sunday 10:30 a.m. liturgies are accustomed to seeing the RCIA community leave at the conclusion of Mass and proceed to the Edinburgh House. There, fortified by a hot beverage and “goodies” prepared by members of our hospitality team, the candidates continue reflecting on the day's Scripture earlier proclaimed by the priest and the lector. |
| Candidates, sponsors, catechists all share what given passages mean for their own lives. They discuss the Church's teaching on related issues. They pray together and endeavor to deepen their knowledge and understanding of God, and to grow in His love. The whole experience is one of being informed, formed and transformed in Christ. |
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| Early Catechumenate weeks correspond with the Advent season and Scriptures, with a sharing on our experience of God and appreciating the Gift of the Son that God has sent to the world. The post-Christmas season has focused on the epiphanies, the many manifestations of God to each of us. The readings have spoken to us of call and discipleship; and invited us to respond and live as faithful followers of the God made man for us. |
| The period of Catechumenate extends to the beginning of Lent, at which time Candidates are “sent” by the parish to be “recognized” by our diocesan bishop Donald Wuerl at St. Paul Cathedral. This opens us to the final stage of preparation which leads to the reception of the Initiation Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter. |
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These nine candidates, their sponsors and catechists, as well as the hospitality persons invite and welcome your prayer and support as we all open ourselves to the Majesty of God which continues to unfold before our eyes. |
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If you would care to attend one of our sessions, please contact Sr. Jackie at (412) 421-1064. |
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Date of Last Update: Saturday, March 06, 2004 15:04:49 -0500 |