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CHAPTER 22
Services
for a New Beginning
Rites marking transition into stages of the catechumenal
process
A Service of
Welcome and Admission of Catechumens
The
admission of catechumens may take place at any time of the
year, within the principal Sunday Eucharist.
This rite may be adapted to the particular circumstances.
After the sermon (or after the Affirmation of Faith) the
presider uses these or other appropriate
words.
God calls us to fullness of life in Christ.
Therefore let us welcome N,N who come to join us in
following the good news of Jesus Christ.
Those to be
admitted as catechumens come forward with their companions.
The presider addresses the candidates who respond
individually as their name is called.
Presider What do you
seek?
Candidate
Life in Christ.
The
presider then continues addressing the candidates using
these or other appropriate words. The candidates respond
together.
Presider This is eternal
life:
to know the one true God
and Jesus Christ whom God has sent.
God gives the light of life
to everyone who comes into this world
and promises that all who seek God will find God.
Either
Presider
As
you seek life in Christ, will you share in worshipping God
regularly with us and explore the life and mission of God's
people?
Candidates
Yes, I will.
Presider
Will you be
attentive to the scriptures and to God's living word in
Jesus Christ?
Candidates
I
will, with God's help.
Or
Presider
How
then will you seek life in Christ?
Candidates
I
will share in worshipping God regularly with you all and
explore the life and mission of God's people.
With God's help I will be attentive to the scriptures
and to God's living word in Jesus Christ.
The
presider then continues by addressing the
companions
Will you who companion these
persons encourage
them
by
prayer and example?
The
companions respond
Yes, I will.
The
presider says to the congregation
Will you the members of ____________ offer them your
support?
People
We will, with God's help.
The
presider says
Let us pray for these persons (N,N) in silence.
Those to be
admitted may kneel. The companions remain standing, and
place a hand upon the shoulder of the one they are
companioning. The congregation prays in silence for the
candidates and the presider may lay hands on the head of
each candidate in turn. Then with hands extended over the
candidates the presider says these or other appropriate
words.
Blessed are you God, our gracious Creator,
you put the desire into our hearts
to seek the fullness of life in Christ.
Strengthen your servants (N,N) by your Holy Spirit
to grow in your knowledge, love, and service.
We ask this in the name of Jesus
who is alive with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The
presider marks a cross on the forehead of each candidate,
saying
N, receive the sign of the cross on your forehead and in
your heart, in the name of God, our Creator, Redeemer, and
Giver of Life.
Amen.
The
companions also mark a cross on the foreheads of the one
they are companioning.
The catechumens may be welcomed informally with applause as
appropriate. They may be presented with a Bible (with words
such as "Receive the Good News of Jesus Christ"), or other
gifts may be given. Someone may speak on behalf of the
congregation.
The catechumens and companions then return to their places.
The Eucharist continues with the Prayers of the People
which includes prayer for the new catechumens by name.
This rite may be adapted to take place at the entrance of
the church at the beginning of the Gathering of the
Community.
It may be appropriate for some candidates to give personal
witness to their faith immediately following the first
question and answer. If any of the candidates, after
consultation with the parish priest, wishes to renounce a
former way of worship, an appropriately worded renunciation
may be included at that point.
Enrolment of
Candidates for Baptism
The
enrolment of candidates for baptism at the Great Vigil of
Easter normally takes place on the First Sunday in Lent.
This rite may be adapted to the particular circumstances.
After the sermon (or after the Affirmation of Faith) the
presider uses these or other appropriate
words.
E te whanau a te Karaiti / Dear friends in Christ.
God is love, God gives us life.
We love because God first loves us.
In baptism God declares that love;
in Christ God calls us to respond.
Therefore let us welcome N,N who come to be received as
candidates for Holy Baptism.
The
catechumens to be enrolled come forward with their
companions. A Catechist, or other lay representative of the
congregation, presents them with the following or other
suitable words.
I present these
catechumens (N,N)
who have
been
strengthened by God's Spirit and encouraged by the example
and prayers of this congregation, and I ask that
they
be
accepted as candidates
for
baptism. They
have shared in
worshipping God regularly with us and explored the faith
and mission of God's people.
The
presider asks the companions
Are they seeking by prayer, study, and example to follow
the good news of Jesus Christ?
The
companions reply
They are.
The
presider addresses the catechumens who may respond
individually as their name is called.
Presider Do you desire
to be baptised?
Catechumen
Yes, I do.
The
presider says to the people
E te whanau/ People of God,
are you willing that these
persons
(N,N) be
candidates
for
baptism?
People
We are.
In the name of God
we welcome you as candidates for baptism.
The
candidates publicly write their names in the book in which
the candidates for baptism are recorded. This may be the
baptism register which will be completed at the baptism.
Each name may be said aloud at the time of writing. The
companions may also sign the book. The companions normally
will be the sponsors at the baptism.
The candidates remain together at the front of the church
while the deacon, or other person appointed, leads the
following or other appropriate Prayers of the
People.
Gracious God, we pray for these
candidates for baptism (N,N),
that they
may
remember with thanksgiving this day when
they were chosen.
God of love
grant our prayer.
Fountain of wisdom, we pray for their companion(s) and all
those who will journey with these
candidates, that together
they may share the riches of the Word of God and follow the
good news of Jesus Christ.
God of love
grant our prayer.
God our companion, we pray for the
families and friends
of these
candidates that they may
help them
to
follow the leading of the Spirit.
God of love
grant our prayer.
God of renewal, we pray for this congregation, that during
this Lenten season we may all grow in love and persevere in
prayer.
God of love
grant our prayer.
Covenant God, we pray for N our bishop, and for all
Christian people.
God of love
grant our prayer.
God our creator, we pray for the leaders of the nations,
and for all in authority.
God of love
grant our prayer.
Compassionate God, we pray for the sick and the suffering,
and for those in need.
God of love
grant our prayer.
Faithful God, we pray for all who have died in the hope of
the resurrection, and for those whose faith is known to you
alone.
God of love
grant our prayer.
In union with (N and) all the saints, we commit ourselves,
one another, and our whole life to Christ our God. In
Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
The
presider says
Let us pray for these
candidates (N,N) in
silence.
The
companions place a hand upon the shoulder of the one they
are companioning. The congregation prays in silence for the
candidates and the presider may lay hands on the head of
each candidate in turn. Then with hands extended over the
candidates the presider says these or other appropriate
words.
Blessed are you, caring God,
the fountain of all life and goodness.
You come to us before we turn to you
and run to meet us when we seek you.
Pour your abundant grace on your servants
(N,N)
who thirst
for
new birth
by water and the Spirit
and help us all to know our need for you.
Praise be to you, O Holy One,
who was, and is, and shall be for ever and ever.
Amen.
The
candidates may be welcomed informally with gifts and
applause as appropriate. Someone may speak on behalf of the
congregation.
The candidates and companions then return to their places.
The Eucharist continues with the Ministry of the Sacrament.
It may be appropriate for some catechumens to give personal
witness to their faith immediately following the question
and answer, "Do you desire to be baptised? Yes, I do."
Additional
Directions
It is appropriate that the Apostles' (or Nicene) Creed be
given to the candidates for baptism on the Third Sunday in
Lent. The Apostles' Creed is preferable as it is recited on
the occasion of their baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter.
Immediately after the sermon, the candidates and their
companions are called forward. The candidates may kneel or
bow their heads. The companions place a hand upon the
shoulder of the one they are companioning.
One of the catechists says
Let the candidate(s) for baptism now receive the Creed from
the Church.
The people
and presider say the Creed standing. The presider
concludes
May God remain with you always.
Amen.
The
candidates and companions may be prayed for and then return
to their places or they are dismissed.
It is appropriate that the Lord's Prayer be given to the
candidates for baptism on the Fifth Sunday in Lent in a
similar way. The Lord's prayer may be given with the
words
As Christ teaches us we pray
Our
Father...
A Celebration
of New Beginnings in Faith
This rite
may take place at any time of the year, within the
principal Sunday Eucharist. It is provided for baptised
persons who have returned to the life of the Church after a
time away and for members baptised in other traditions.
Those who wish to pursue a disciplined exploration of the
implications of Christian living are recognised by the
community and welcomed to begin this process. Prayer may
also be offered within this rite for active baptised
members of this Church who are preparing to affirm their
baptism.
This rite may be adapted to the particular circumstances.
After the sermon (or after the Affirmation of Faith) the
presider uses these or other appropriate
words.
As the community of faith we rejoice in our baptism.
We are called to meet regularly
to grow in appreciation of what we have received:
a delight in prayer, a love for the word of God,
a desire to follow the way of Christ,
and food for the journey.
Therefore let us welcome N,N who come
to
celebrate with us a new beginning in faith.
The
baptised come forward with a Church Warden or other
representative of the congregation who presents them with
the following or similar words.
We present these
persons (N,N)
who are
baptised members of the Body of
Christ as they
celebrate this
new beginning in faith.
The
presider addresses the baptised who respond individually as
their name is called.
What do you seek?
The
baptised reply
Renewal of my life in Christ.
The
presider then continues addressing the baptised who respond
together.
Either
Presider In baptism you
were made a member of the Body of Christ, the Church. Will
you strive to grow in the knowledge, love, and service of
God?
Answer
I
will, with God's help.
Presider
Will you share
in the life and mission of this family of God's people,
worshipping God regularly with us, and participating in a
life of service to those in need.
Answer
I
will, with God's help.
Presider
Will you seek
to recognise the ministry to which God is calling you and
the gifts that God has given you in baptism?
Answer
I
will, with God's help.
Or
Presider
In
baptism you were made a member of the Body of Christ, the
Church. How will you seek renewal of your life in Christ?
Answer
With God's help
I will strive to grow
in the knowledge, love, and service of God.
I will share in the life and mission of this family of
God's people,
worshipping God regularly with you all,
and participating in a life of service to those in need.
I will seek to recognise the ministry to which God is
calling me
and the gifts that God has given me in baptism.
The
presider then continues by addressing the
companions.
You have been chosen by this community to be companions.
Will you encourage these persons (N,N) by prayer and
example?
They
respond
We will, with God's help.
The
presider says to the congregation
Will you the members of offer them your
support as we share together in the life and mission of
Christ?
People
We will, with God's help.
The
presider says
Let us pray for these
persons (N,N) in
silence.
Those
making this new beginning may remain standing. The
companions place a hand upon the shoulder of the one they
are companioning. The congregation prays in silence and the
presider may lay hands on the head of each in turn. Then
with hands extended over those making this new beginning
the presider says these or other appropriate
words.
Blessed are you, faithful God,
through baptism you gather us into your Church.
We thank you for this congregation of your people
and rejoice in all you have done in the lives of
your servants (N,N).
Renew them in your Holy Spirit.
Strengthen our love and care for each other
through Jesus Christ the servant,
our friend and brother,
who is alive with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Those
making this new beginning may write their names in the
church's register of baptised persons. The deacon or a
companion may call out the names as they are written.
Those making this new beginning may be welcomed informally
with applause as appropriate. They may be presented with a
Bible (with words such as "Receive the Good News of Jesus
Christ") or other gifts may be given. Someone may speak on
behalf of the congregation.
Those making the new beginning and their companions then
return to their places. They may bring forward the bread
and wine or perform other particular functions within the
rest of the service.
The Eucharist continues with the Prayers of the People
which includes prayer by name for those making the new
beginning.
It may be appropriate for some making this new beginning to
give personal witness to their faith immediately following
the first question and answer.
A Celebration
of Lenten Preparation
This rite
is appropriately used at the principal service on Ash
Wednesday. Because of particular circumstances, it may be
used on the First Sunday in Lent. In this rite, baptised
persons who, as participants in the catechumenal process,
have been exploring the implications of their baptism and
are preparing to affirm it at the coming Easter Vigil are
recognised by the congregation. They are a reminder of the
journey of conversion and renewal to which all are called.
This rite may be adapted to the particular circumstances.
Immediately before the blessing of ashes, or at another
suitable point in the service, the presider uses these or
other appropriate words.
Let us welcome N,N who have been growing in an
understanding of their
call as
Christians
among us and
now desire
to
undertake a more intense preparation to renew
their
baptism this
coming Easter.
The
participants come forward with a Church Warden or other
representative of the congregation who presents them with
these or other suitable words.
We present these
persons (N,N)
who have
been growing in
the knowledge, love, and service of God.
They are sharing in the
life and mission of this family of God's people,
worshipping God regularly, and serving those in
need. They
are
seeking to recognise the ministry to which God is
calling them
and
the gifts that God has given them
in
baptism.
The
presider says to the participants
Will you so live the gospel that you challenge us with the
demands of love?
Each
participant as her/his name is called
responds
I will, with God's help.
Presider
Your turning to
Jesus Christ is an encouragement for us all.
People
May God keep you in the way you have
chosen.
The
presider says to the companions
Presider
Will you
continue to serve as companions on this journey of
conversion, encouraging by prayer and example?
Companions
We
will, with God's help.
The
presider says
Let us pray for these
persons (N,N) in
silence.
The
participants may kneel or bow their heads. The companions
remain standing and place a hand upon the shoulder of the
one they are companioning. The congregation prays in
silence and the presider may lay hands on the head of each
in turn.
Then with hands extended over the participants the presider
says these or other appropriate words.
Blessed are you, God our redeemer,
you love and care for each of us.
When we rebel against your love
you do not abandon us
but again and again you call us back to yourself.
In your servants
(N,N) we
recognise the movement of your Spirit
and pray that you renew them in your life.
May we all turn to you
as we prepare to celebrate
Christ's passing from death to fullness of life with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
At the imposition of ashes, after receiving ashes
themselves, the participants may join the presider in
imposing ashes on the congregation.
Maundy Thursday
Rite of Preparation for the Paschal Holy
Days
This rite
is used at the principal service on Maundy Thursday. In it,
baptised persons who, as participants in the catechumenal
process, have been preparing to affirm their baptism at the
Easter Vigil are invited to join in this public witness of
the Christian life of discipleship.
This rite may be adapted to the particular circumstances.
Further suggestions may be found under "Maundy Thursday" in
Chapter 20 of this book.
Before participating in this rite, those for whom it is
appropriate will have taken part in the Reconciliation of a
Penitent in which they are assured of God's pardon.
When this rite is used, the appropriate Gospel is John
13:115.
Before the footwashing the presider uses these or other
appropriate words.
Fellow servants of Christ,
on this night Jesus set an example for the disciples
by washing their feet, an act of humble service.
The
participants and their companions stand. The presider
addresses them.
(N,N) you have been living the gospel among us in such a
way that you challenge us with the demands of love.
Tonight you are invited to follow Christ more closely.
I wash your feet so that I may recall whose servant I am.
You in turn are called to join in this symbol of
discipleship.
(N,N) will you share this life of service?
The
participants reply
Yes, we will.
The
participants' feet are washed.
When all
are ready, the presider distributes basins, ewers, and
towels to the participants, saying to
each
May Christ strengthen you in the service to which you are
called.
The
presider invites the congregation
saying
I invite you to come forward.
As your feet are washed
remember that strength and growth in God's reign
come by lowly service such as this.
The
participants in turn wash the feet of other members of the
congregation.
The Eucharist may continue with the Prayers of the People
or with the Ministry of the
Sacrament.
Affirming
Baptism at the Easter Vigil
When
participants in the catechumenal process are affirming
their baptism at the Easter Vigil their particular renewal
needs to be recognised alongside that of the rest of the
assembly. Some suggestions follow.
When the bishop is present, the Liturgy of Baptism and the
Laying on of Hands for Confirmation and Renewal (page 387)
can be followed after the Sermon. When the bishop is not
present and there are baptisms, that liturgy may be adapted
as follows.
The Presentation for the Laying on of Hands (page 387) may
be replaced with the participants being presented to the
presider with these words
I present N to renew her/his baptism.
The
presider says to the participants
(N,N) we welcome you as you come to renew your baptism.
Do you renounce all evil influences and powers that rebel
against God?
The
participants reply
I renounce all evil.
The
presider says
Do you trust in Christ's victory which brings forgiveness,
freedom and life?
The
participants reply
In faith I turn to Christ my way, my truth, my life.
The
presider addresses the congregation,
saying
Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to
support these
persons (N,N) in
their
life in Christ?
The people
reply
We will.
The
Affirmation (page 387) and the Commitment to Christian
Service (page 390) follow. The Laying on of Hands (page
391) may be replaced with the following.
The presider says
Let us pray for these
persons (N,N) in
silence.
The
participants may kneel or bow their heads. The companions
remain standing and place a hand upon the shoulder of the
one they are companioning. The congregation prays in
silence and the presider may lay hands on the head of each
in turn (anointing with chrism if desired).
Then with hands extended over the participants the presider
says these or other appropriate
words.
Blessed are you, eternal God,
by water and the Holy Spirit
you bestowed upon your servants
(N,N)
the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them
to
new life.
Sustain them,
O God, in your Holy Spirit.
Give them
an
inquiring and discerning heart,
the courage to persevere,
a spirit to know, love, and serve you,
and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works,
through Jesus Christ the light of the world
who is risen and alive with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
The service
continues with the Celebration of Faith (page 394). The
Ministry of the Sacrament follows.
When the bishop is not present and there are no baptisms,
the following order may be used after the Sermon
- from the presentation to the people's
"we
will" in the
rite above
-
A Renewal of Baptism follows for
all, this can be found as part of the Great Vigil of Easter
in this book
- the above rite continues with the invitation to pray for
the participants
- when the prayer over the participants has been concluded
the service continues with the Ministry of the Sacrament.
The participants may receive applause, gifts, and
certificates as appropriate.
