Introduction 31 the whole Initiation must show a paschal character. Therefore, Lent will have its full power as a more intense preparation of the elect and the Easter Vigil itself will be considered as the normative time for the Sacraments of Initiation. It is not, however, forbidden to celebrate these Sacraments for pastoral needs outside these times (cf. nos. 2630). II Ministries and Offices 9. In addition to those things mentioned in Christian Initiation, General Introduction (no. 7), the People of God, represented by the local Church, should always realize and show that the Initiation of adults is its own concern and a matter for all the baptized.3 It should therefore show itself always prepared to fulfill its apostolic vocation by helping those who seek Christ. In the varying circumstances of everyday life, as in the apostolate, every disciple of Christ is individually obliged to spread the faith.4 He or she must therefore help others throughout the course of their Initiation, in the precatechumenate, the catechumenate, the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, and the Period of Mystagogy. In particular: 1) In the time of evangelization and precatechumenate the faithful should remember that the apostolate of the Church and of all her members is principally directed toward making known the message of Christ to the world by words and deeds and toward communicating his grace.5 They should therefore show themselves willing to exhibit a spirit of Christian community, to welcome inquirers into their families, into personal conversations, and also into some of the community’s gatherings. 2) They should be willing to attend the celebrations of the catechumenate when possible and take an active part in the responses, prayers, songs and acclamations. 3 Cf. Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church, Ad gentes, no. 14. 4 Cf. Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen gentium, no. 17. 5 Cf. Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Apostolicam actuositatem, no. 6. 41 57
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