Rite of Introduction

This weekend at the 9 am Mass, our parish community will welcome Samantha Starkey, who will present herself for Baptism at the Easter Vigil by means of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). Before the liturgy begins, for those who are physically able and desire to do so, we will be invited to join our catechumen at the doors of the church in the narthex. This signifies her entrance into the Church and where she will be received and greeted. From this moment on, she and all catechumens, “whom Mother Church already embraces as her own with her love and care, and who are joined to her, already belong to the house of Christ, for they are fed by the Church with the word of God and the aid of the liturgy” (OCIA 47).

The Catechism states: “Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop” (CCC 1253). We, the baptized and fully-initiated, have a role in these weeks to come. I would ask all of us to wholeheartedly enter into these rituals, offering our prayerful support and faithful witness. The ritual text, prayers, and scrutinies are meant for us as much they are for catechumens and candidates, as we prepare to renew our baptismal promises at Easter. Samantha and her sponsor have made the commitment to be present for our upcoming 9 am liturgies. If you rarely (or never) attend the 9 am Mass, you might consider it at least once between now and Easter, in a gesture of gracious welcoming. Her picture will soon be featured on the kiosk in the narthex. Let us assure her, her sponsor, and their families of our prayers. 

On behalf of our parish family, join me in welcoming Samantha Starkey!

Fr. Terry