Wright on Rites
We have two important rites and two special celebrations coming up that will add to the spiritual depth and joy of our Advent liturgical celebrations.
Welcoming & Celebration on December 8
This Sunday we will celebrate one of the sacramental Rites of Christian Initiation, the Rite of Welcoming our adult candidates for Confirmation. This rite marks the formal beginning of their catechesis, that is, their period of learning more about the life of faith and discipleship with Jesus in the Christian community. It is perfect timing that we’ll be able to gather after Mass for our annual parish Christmas party to give our candidates the warm welcome that they deserve!
Our candidates this year were already baptized earlier in their lives, so they have been for years already members of the Christian faithful and of the Body of Christ. But now they have been drawn by the Spirit to take the steps to complete their Christian initiation in the Catholic community; this process will culminate with their Confirmation next Easter. Through this present rite, “the Church surrounds them with special care and support as they prepare to be sealed with the gift of the Spirit in Confirmation and take their place at the banquet table of Christ’s sacrifice.”
You have all witnessed many infant baptisms at our Sunday liturgies and know by now how it begins at the start of Mass with the questioning of the parents and godparents, and the signing of the child with the sign of the cross. That receiving of the child is a simplified form of this adult Rite of Welcoming. You will hear similar questions asked of the candidates and their sponsors, and will participate by your prayer in a fuller signing of the candidates with the cross on all of their senses. This signing ritually opens the candidates (and us!) more fully to the mystery of Jesus’s dying and rising in their own lives; for our part, we pray for them: “Christ will be your light; learn to know and follow him.”
Anointing on December 15
On the following Sunday after Mass we’ll celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This is a time when the prayer of the Church community – that’s us! – is extended to all those who are facing serious health issues, whether physical, mental, or spiritual. This laying on of hands and anointing with oil has been practiced since the beginnings of the church, evidenced already in the New Testament. If you have never experienced this rite, and are facing some health challenges, please come and be immersed in this prayer where the priest prays personally for your particular needs. If you’ve participated in the Anointing previously, don’t hesitate to come again. Those who have done so seem to find it very comforting and uplifting spiritually.
“Candles and Carols” on December 17
Make plans now on your calendar to spend an hour of your early evening on Tuesday, December 17, being uplifted by your church community. This will be a fun event with a community sing-along of favorite Christmas carols and reflection on some spiritual readings fit for the season, finished off with a social gathering to share conversation, mulled beverages and Christmas snacks. It begins at 6:00PM, so our families with young children may be able to participate. Adeste fideles! – O come all ye faithful!