I just got home from my Rite of Acceptance.

[scarlet_owl]

It was a very moving ceremony. I truly felt accepted by the congregation. The readings and songs were beautiful. I just wanted to share my joy with everyone today.

[sandnsea]

1. What a wonderful time

I am truly happy for you. :hug:

From my perspective, it's the beautiful avatar of Jesus along with your sig line "It's time to start slapping people", that truly makes you Catholic! (I personally think Catholics have a better sense of humor than any other group of Christians. :))

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

2. Congratulations - I welcome you to the Church that welcomed me!

My rite of acceptance was one of the best days I can remember. But let me tell you - this Easter will be the best day of your life!

Can't wait to congratulate you then.

[UrbScotty]

3. Congratulations! What's next?

Do you officially become a Catholic on Easter? What comes before that?

[DemBones DemBones]

4. Rite of Catechumenate, as I remember.

About halfway between now and Easter. In the Atlanta archdiocese, they've started having that in Atlanta, with the archbishop presiding; they changed it the year after I was confirmed. (They may now have Rite of Election in Atlanta, too. I haven't been on the RCIA team for years and so am not sure.) They have to hold two or three separate ceremonies in Atlanta because there are somewhere between 700-1000 adults converting every year in this archdiocese.

Adults are normally received into the Church at the Easter Vigil and that is really special, too, if you've never been. I think it was reinitiated after Vatican II -- the whole Vigil Mass concept, really, from what I know. I remember my Catholic friends going to confession on Saturday evening but never to Mass. Some people complain about the two-hour Mass but it's the most beautiful Mass of the year.