Catechumenate Support Group - February 1, 2007

The Rite of Election is just around the corner! This is what our Bishop McGrath said to the catechumens at last year’s rite:

The world will tell you to hate your enemies; this community will tell you to love them. The world will tell you to store up your riches, live the “good life,” grab more power, vote for the one who will make your life easier, be an individual; but this community will tell you to give not only your cloak but your shirt as well, take care of the orphan, the widow, and the outcast, put on Christ, lose yourself, take up the cross, give away all you have, give away even your life.This is what baptism is about. This is what the season of Lent is about. This is what being Catholic is about. This is what you must be about if you will give your name to God today. (Read his entire homily here.)

Are your catechumens ready to take the plunge? How do you know? We started the discussion of discernment at our last support meeting, and we’ll continue at the coming meeting. Come ready to contribute to some of the following questions:

1. How do you know if the catechumens are ready for the Rite of Election? What do we do with those who are not ready?
2. What’s the difference between a sponsor and a godparent? What is the “job description” of a godparent?
3. What are some more effective ways to celebrate the scrutinies? And is it okay to skip one?
4. When, and how, do we hand on the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer to the Elect?
5. What do we do with baptized candidates during Lent and the Triduum? Is it okay to do the rites with both catechumens and candidates?

Everyone who attends the meeting will receive a FREE photocopiable bulletin insert on the Rite of Election to be given to the assembly. Get some practical answers to these and your other questions at the next Catechumenate Support Group Meeting.

Catechumenate Support Group Meeting
"Ready or Not, Here Lent Comes!"
Thursday, February 1, 2007
12:30p – 2:00p
Saint Mary (Gilroy)
11 First Street, Gilroy

Bring your lunch and your own questions to ask!

RSVP with Bernard Nemis at 408-983-0126
or online here

Other Catechumenate Support Group dates for the year:

• Thursday, March 22, 2007, 12:30p – 2:00p, host parish needed - contact Diana
• Thursday, June 7, 2007, 12:30p – 2:00p, host parish needed - contact Diana