PO Box 1704
Brewster, MA 02631
(774) 734-3002
capecodanglican@gmail.com
January 7, 2014
This form is to be used for adult persons, or older children who are able to answer for themselves, at the beginning of a course of instruction in all the teachings of the Church, in preparation for Holy Baptism, or if baptized as infants, for Confirmation.
On the day appointed, the persons to be received as Catechumens shall be brought by their sponsors to the Church, and shall remain by the principal door, until the Gospel has been proclaimed.
The Celebrant shall them greet the Catechumens at the door and ask,
Celebrant
What is your hope?
Catechumen
That I may have eternal life in Christ.
Celebrant
What do you desire of God and of this congregation?
Catechumen
That I may grow in faith, hope, and love.
Then the Celebrant shall say,
If you hope to enter into eternal life, you must by his grace follow in Our Lord’s steps, for He said: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
Then the Celebrant shall ask,
Celebrant
Will you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior?
Catechumen
I will.
Celebrant
Because none can follow Christ without God’s grace and apart from Christ’s Body, will you join with us in our common life of worship, teaching, service, and fellowship?
Catechumen
I will.
The Celebrant shall lead the Catechumens to the chancel steps, where they shall kneel, and the Celebrant shall pray over them, saying,
Celebrant
Let us pray.
O Lord God of Hosts, before the terror of whose presence the armies of Hell are put to flight: Deliver these your servants from the powers of the world, the flesh, and the Devil; cast out from them every evil and unclean spirit that lurks in the heart, and any spirit of error or wickedness; and make them ready to receive the fullness of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then the Celebrant shall take the OIL OF THE CATECHUMENS, and sign each Catechumen with a cross on their forehead, saying to each,
May almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness and evil and lead you into the light and obedience of the kingdom of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then, the Catechumens kneeling, the Priest shall bless them, saying:
May Almighty God, who in His love for you has called you to the knowledge of His grace, grant you entrance into His kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.