32 The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults 3) On the day of Election, since the addition of members to the community itself is involved, they should take care to give a just and prudent testimony about the catechumens when appropriate. 4) During Lent, which is the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, they should take care to be present at the Rites of the Scrutinies and of Handing On and give the catechumens the example of their own renewal in the spirit of penitence, faith and charity. They should be eager to renew their own baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil. 5) During the Period of Mystagogy they should participate in the Masses for the neophytes (cf. no. 25), embrace them with charity, and help them to feel more at home in the community of the baptized. 10. A person who applies to be received among the catechumens should be accompanied by a sponsor, that is, by a man or woman who knows and has helped him (her), and is a witness to the individual’s character, faith, and intention. It may happen that this sponsor will fulfill the office of godparent during the times of purification and enlightenment and of Mystagogy, but someone else may replace the sponsor for this task. 11. A godparent, however,6 chosen by the catechumen for his or her example, gifts and friendship, delegated by the local Christian community and approved by a Priest, accompanies the catechumen on the day of Election, at the celebration of the Sacraments, and during the Period of Mystagogy. The godparent’s task is to show the catechumen in a friendly way how to practice the Gospel in personal and social life, to help at times of doubt or anxiety, to bear witness to and watch over the catechumen’s growth in baptismal life. Chosen before the “Election,” the godparent exercises his or her office from the day of Election, testifying for the catechumen in the presence of the community. The godparent’s task remains important when the neophyte, having received the Sacraments, needs help to remain faithful to the promises of Baptism. 6 Cf. Christian Initiation, General Introduction, nos. 8 and 10.1. 42 43
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