This weekend we officially welcome Bernadette, Haley, Skyla, Jack, Ryan, and Samuel, the Catechumens and Candidates who are praying, preparing, and studying, for their full initiation into the Roman Catholic Church. This parish-based Rite of Introduction prepares them for the archdiocesan based Rite of Election which they will receive next month at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
In the Rite of Introduction, the Catechumens express their initial commitment and desire to receive the Catholic faith. This commitment is then affirmed by their sponsors and the entire worshipping assembly. The catechumens are then signed with the sign of the Cross on their foreheads and on their senses.
Receive the sign of the Cross on your forehead. Christ himself strengthens you with the sign of his love. Learn now to know him and follow him.
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 on your chest, that Christ may dwell in your heart 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.
Merciful Lord, hear our prayers, we ask for these catechumens, whom we have signed with the Cross of the Lord, and guard them with its power so that, treasuring what they have come to know of your glory; they may, by keeping your commandments, merit the glory of rebirth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
We thank our catechumens, candidates, and their sponsors for expressing their desire to join our parish community. We especially thank the members of the OCIA team for their pastoral skill in preparing our catechumens and candidates for this beautiful Rite of Introduction.
Subsequently, we will soon celebrate with them, during Lent, the Rite of Enrollment, and the three Scrutinies where their desire to embrace the Catholic faith is richly demonstrated.
These beautiful, meaningful, and spiritually rich rituals are a reminder to all of us of the precious gift of our faith, and of the Paschal Sacrifice of Christ enabling us to be counted now and until the day of eternity among the members of Christ in whose Body and Blood we have communion. Blessings and Congratulation to all.
Mass Readings and Reflection questions – 2nd Ordinary Sunday – Cycle A 18 January 2026
Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 – How are you made glorious in the sight of the Lord? / In what ways is God your strength? How frequently do you rely on God’s strength? How frequently do you rely on your own? / Do you feel that you are a servant of the Lord, or a disciple, or a friend? / The Light of Christ was shared with us at Baptism. How far is that light shining? What spiritual practices do you engage in to keep that light burning brightly?
Responsorial Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 – R/ Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will. – How frequently does the Lord stoop toward you and hear your cry? / The word obedience is derived from a Latin verb meaning “to listen.” Are your ears open to obedience? / What message are you announcing to the vast assembly?
1st Corinthians 1:1-3 – St. Paul reminds us that we have been called to be holy. What does it mean to be holy? How have you answered the call to be holy?
John 1:29-34 – Why does St. John the Baptist twice say that he did not know Jesus? What things about Jesus would you like to know more about? / What is the significance of the many rituals of baptism – proclamation of the child’s name, anointings, blessing of water, candle, white garment? What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit?