Sarah Mitchell
The Rite of Sending is a significant step in the journey of catechumens—those preparing to be formally admitted into the Catholic Church—as they prepare for the Rite of Election. It is an optional rite that appears in the United States edition of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, though some parishes in other English- and Spanish-speaking countries have adopted it. The Rite of Sending is a parish celebration that usually falls on the First Sunday of Lent, serving as a bridge between the catechumen's journey within the parish and the formal diocesan Rite of Election. During the Rite of Sending, the catechumens affirm their intention to join the Church, and the parish community affirms the catechumens' readiness to proceed to the Rite of Election and receive the Sacraments of Initiation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rite of Sending | An optional rite |
| A transformative step in the journey of catechumens | |
| A bridge between the catechumenate journey and the Rite of Election | |
| A recognition of God's work in the lives of catechumens | |
| A formal declaration of catechumens' readiness for the Rite of Election | |
| A parish celebration | |
| A celebration during Mass on the First Sunday of Lent | |
| Presentation of Catechumens | Formal declaration by the catechumenate director |
| Affirmation by Godparents | Godparents publicly affirm their catechumens' readiness for the next step |
| Affirmation by the Assembly | Parish community affirms catechumens' readiness |
| Signing of the Book of the Elect | Catechumens sign the Book of the Elect |
| Intercessions and Dismissal | Community prays for catechumens and dismisses them |
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What You'll Learn
The Rite of Sending is an optional rite
During the Rite of Sending, the catechumens are formally presented to the parish community by the catechumenate director. This presentation is a formal declaration that the parish believes the catechumens are ready to be sent to the bishop. The parish community affirms the catechumens' readiness, often through a simple "Yes" or "We do". Godparents may also publicly affirm their catechumens' readiness for the next step in their journey, offering testimony about God's grace in their lives.
The Rite of Sending includes the signing of the Book of the Elect by the catechumens. This signifies their pledge of fidelity and intention to join the Church. However, signing the book at this rite does not make them Elect; that will happen at the Rite of Election. After the Rite of Sending, the catechumens are sent forth to the Rite of Election, where their status changes to "Elect", chosen to receive the Easter Sacraments.
The Rite of Sending is an important opportunity to recognise God's work in the lives of the catechumens and to formally declare their readiness to be presented to the bishop for the Rite of Election. It is a transformative step in the catechumens' spiritual journey towards initiation into the Catholic Church.
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It is a bridge to the Rite of Election
The Rite of Sending is a significant step in the journey of catechumens—those preparing to be formally admitted into the Catholic Church—towards the Rite of Election. It is an optional rite that appears in the United States edition of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), formerly called the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults or RCIA. The OCIA is a formal program through which catechumens are prepared for initiation into the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
The Rite of Sending is a bridge to the Rite of Election, marking a notable transition in the catechumen's path. It is a parish celebration that usually takes place on the First Sunday of Lent, before the Rite of Election. During the Rite of Sending, the catechumens are formally presented to the parish community by the catechumenate director, who declares that the catechumens are ready to be sent to the bishop for the Rite of Election. This presentation is more formal and solemn than when the catechumens were first introduced to the parish as inquirers.
The Rite of Sending includes affirmations by the godparents and the assembly. Godparents publicly affirm their catechumen's readiness for the next step, and they may offer testimony about God's grace in their catechumen's life. The assembly, or parish community, affirms the catechumen's readiness, often through a simple "Yes" or "We do."
Additionally, during the Rite of Sending, catechumens typically sign their names in the Book of the Elect, pledging their fidelity. However, this may vary, as some dioceses reserve this signing for the Rite of Election. It is important to note that signing the book at the Rite of Sending does not make one Elect; that status is conferred at the Rite of Election, where the catechumen's names are enrolled, and they are chosen to receive the Easter Sacraments.
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Godparents publicly affirm their catechumens
The Rite of Sending is a significant step in the journey of catechumens—individuals who are preparing to be formally admitted into the Catholic Church—towards the Rite of Election. The Rite of Sending is an opportunity to recognise God's work in the lives of the catechumens and to affirm their readiness to proceed to the Rite of Election and receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
During the Rite of Sending, godparents play a crucial role in publicly affirming their catechumens. Although technically, the godparents' role begins at the Rite of Election, they are invited to participate in the Rite of Sending. At this rite, godparents testify to their catechumen's intention to join the Church and affirm their readiness for the next step in their spiritual journey. This affirmation by godparents is a solemn moment where they share their testimony about God's grace in the lives of their catechumens.
The Rite of Sending serves as a bridge between the catechumen's journey within the parish and the formal diocesan Rite of Election. It is a parish celebration, often held during a parish Mass on the First Sunday of Lent. The catechumenate director formally presents the catechumens to the parish community, marking their readiness to be sent to the bishop. This presentation is more formal and solemn than the initial presentation of catechumens as inquirers.
During the Rite of Sending, the catechumens themselves also affirm their intention to join the Church and receive the Sacraments. They inscribe their names in the Book of Elect, pledging their fidelity and commitment to their spiritual journey. This inscription, however, does not make them Elect; that status is conferred at the Rite of Election, where their names are enrolled to receive the Sacraments at the coming Easter Vigil.
The Rite of Sending is a transformative moment in the catechumens' journey towards initiation into the Catholic Church. The public affirmation by godparents is a significant aspect of this rite, as it reinforces the catechumens' readiness to take the next step and receive the Sacraments of Initiation. This affirmation by godparents, along with the support of the parish community, provides spiritual encouragement and guidance to the catechumens as they continue their path towards becoming fully initiated members of the Catholic faith.
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Catechumens sign the Book of the Elect
The Rite of Sending is an optional rite that appears in the United States edition of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). It is a significant step in the journey of catechumens preparing for the Rite of Election, serving as a bridge between the catechumenate journey within the parish and the formal diocesan Rite of Election. The Rite of Sending is a parish celebration that usually takes place on the First Sunday of Lent, marking an opportunity to recognise God's work in the lives of the catechumens.
During the Rite of Sending, the catechumens are formally presented to the parish community by the catechumenate director. This presentation is a formal declaration that the parish believes the catechumens are ready to be sent to the bishop for the Rite of Election. The parish community affirms the catechumens' readiness, often through a simple "Yes" or "We do". Godparents may also publicly affirm their catechumens' readiness for the next step in their journey.
In some communities, the catechumens sign the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Sending. This signing is seen as a sign of commitment and discipleship, pledging their fidelity to the Church. However, it is important to note that signing the book at this rite does not make the catechumens Elect; that will only happen at the Rite of Election. At this rite, the catechumens' godparents may also write their names into the book, signifying their commitment to being responsible for their catechumen.
The Rite of Sending concludes with intercessions and dismissal, where the community prays for the catechumens and sends them forth to the Rite of Election. This rite is a transformative power in the lives of catechumens, leading them towards their formal admission into the Catholic Church and the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
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The community prays for the catechumens
The Rite of Sending is an important step in the journey of catechumens—individuals who are preparing to be formally admitted into the Catholic Church—towards the Rite of Election, during which they will receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
The Rite of Sending is a parish celebration that is often incorporated into the Rite of Election but is sometimes celebrated separately. During the Rite of Sending, the catechumens are presented to the parish community, and their readiness to proceed to the Rite of Election is affirmed by their godparents, the assembly, and the community as a whole.
The community's affirmation of the catechumens is a significant aspect of the Rite of Sending. This affirmation involves the community being asked questions about the preparation of the catechumens and their role in bringing them to Christ. The community expresses its support for the catechumens' journey and their readiness to take the next step. This affirmation highlights the inclusive nature of the Catholic community and its role in guiding individuals towards their spiritual path.
The community's prayers for the catechumens are an integral part of this affirmation process. These prayers demonstrate the community's spiritual support and their desire for the catechumens' success in their spiritual journey. The prayers are often combined with intercessions for the catechumens, offering guidance and blessings as they move towards the Rite of Election.
Through the Rite of Sending, the community comes together to recognize the catechumens' commitment and dedication to their spiritual growth. By praying for the catechumens, the community provides emotional and spiritual encouragement, creating a sense of unity and fellowship within the Catholic faith. This act of communal prayer strengthens the bond between the catechumens and their fellow believers, fostering a sense of belonging and support as they embark on their religious journey together.
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Frequently asked questions
The Rite of Sending is a significant step in the journey of catechumens (those preparing to enter the Catholic Church) as they prepare for the Rite of Election. It is an optional rite that appears in the US edition of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
The Rite of Sending involves the presentation of catechumens to the parish community, who affirm their readiness to proceed to the Rite of Election and receive the Sacraments of Initiation. The catechumens also sign the Book of the Elect, pledging their fidelity.
The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. These are received during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the catechumens are fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
