44 Christian Initiation of Adults First Step: Rite for Entrance into the Catechumenate 41. The rite commonly called “Entrance into the Catechumenate” is most important since that is when, coming together in public for the first time, those entering the catechumenate manifest their will to the Church, and when the Church, fulfilling her apostolic office, receives those who intend to become her members. God grants them his grace, since their desire is expressed openly in this celebration, and their reception and first consecration are marked by the Church. 42. In order for them to take this step, it is necessary for the beginnings of a spiritual life and the foundations of Christian doctrine to have been planted in the inquirers,1 namely: the first faith conceived during the Period of the Precatechumenate; an initial conversion and a desire to change their lives and enter a relationship with God in Christ; a consequent beginning of a sense of penitence and of a habit of calling on God and of prayer; a sense of the Church; a first experience of the company and spirit of Christians through contact with a Priest or some members of the community; and preparation for this liturgical order. 43. Before the Rite is celebrated, a period of time is set aside, suitable and appropriate to each case, for investigating and, if necessary, purifying their motives for conversion. It is the particular responsibility of pastors, with the help of sponsors (cf. no. 10 above), catechists and Deacons, to discern the outward signs of their spiritual dispositions.2 It is also for them, being aware of the power of Sacraments already validly received (cf. Christian Initiation, General Introduction, no. 4), to take care lest anybody who is already baptized should wish, for whatever reason, to be baptized again. 44. Those entering the catechumenate are to be received on fixed days during the year (cf. no. 18) in accord with local circumstances. The Rite, which consists of their reception, the Liturgy of the Word and their Dismissal, can also be followed by the Eucharist. 1 Cf. Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church, Ad gentes, no. 14. 2 Cf. ibidem, no. 13. 14 15 68 16 69 65 69 72 USA
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