5/9/2008 10:04:50 AM EST  

8/15/07
A Dinner Date with God

The Mass explained. Its history and a walk-through of the liturgy. A must-read for new Catholics and always a good reference for parishioners.

6/22/07
Confession: Not for the Guilty

Catholics have either stopped going to confession or they go only rarely. This article helps dissipate your anxiety about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and focuses on the richer meaning of receiving the gift of God's forgiveness.

5/22/07
What are your images of God at this point in your life?

Our understanding of God evolves, as we grow in our faith. This article stimulates our search and evaluation about the image(s) we hold of God: a loving father, a king, a feminine pronoun, a sheperd,...

4/20/07
What you ought to know about the Eucharist

Jesus wanted to give his followers a continuing sign of his presence and love for them, which would sustain them even if they could no longer physically see him. At the Mass we believe that Jesus is really present, just as He was present two thousand years ago

1/10/07
Church History

From the Early Church through the Middle Ages through Vatican II. A useful outline for your self-study.





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Catechumenate Period:

The conversion process takes a more comprehensive approach after the initial commitment has been made at the Rite of Acceptance, at the end of the first period (Period of Inquiry). This Catechumenate phase entails establishing a deeper relationship with the Catholic community. From this, a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and ones' relationship with Christ begins to emerge.

Catechumens with the help of catechists study, share and reflect on the Sunday Gospels. The aim of this period is to deepen the initial conversion. They experience passing on the Catholic tradition.

The period is characterized by:

• Catechesis based on Liturgy of the Word - Studying Sacred Scripture.
• Living in the life of the Catholic community - participating in church activities.
• Prayer and worship
• Church History
• Introduction to the apostolic life through reflection of selected New Testament books
• The congregation keeps participants in their prayers

There are two different names given to the participants in the Catechumenate. Unbaptized members are called "Catechumens" and baptized members are called "Candidates".

There are no specific rites celebrated during this phase at St. John the Evangelist. However, when the participant feels ready to move to the next phase, then the Rites of Sending and Election are celebrated.

Rites of Sending and Election

The Rite of Sending is celebrated at St. John the Evangelist, and the Rite of Election is celebrated by the Bishop of our Diocese, at Venice, Florida.

For the Rite of Sending, sponsors and catechists join in the participants’ reaffirmation of readiness to proceed in their faith journey. The congregation at St. John blesses the participants and sends them to meet our bishop. The Catechumens, now called the "Elect", are strengthened to take part in the sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.

The Rite of Election is presided by our Bishop. The Bishop, in the name of the community, declares approval of the Candidates and Catechumens. This rite marks the close of the Catechumenate period. The primary time for celebration of this Rite is the first Sunday of Lent.
 

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