IMPORTANT DATES/Information for Three Sacraments of Initiation Children,Youth Families, Godparents
- shbentley639
- Jan 17
- 5 min read
PREPARATION for the THREE SACRAMENTS of INITIATION
VERY IMPORTANT DATES/Information to SAVE
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Combined Rite:
ENTRANCE into the Catechumenate & WELCOMING the Candidates*
Gathering
Catechumens, candidates, and sponsors gather at the Altar
Welcome and Introduction by the celebrant.
Celebrant: “What do you ask of God’s Church?” –
Catechumen: "Faith.”
Celebrant: “What does faith offer you?” –
Catechumen: “Eternal life.”
Catechumens’ Initial Commitment: Are YOU ready?
Catechumen: I am
Sponsor’s Commitment: ARE YOU READY?
Sponsors: We are
Sign of the Cross
Jesus offers you the sign of the CROSS and says to you through the Priest: Receive the cross. It is I who now strengthens you with this sign of love. Learn to know me and follow my path
Signing with the Cross on the forehead by clergy in Persona Christi
Sponsors may also sign forehead/senses
Signing of the Other Senses (OCIA §519)
Ears
Receive the sign of the cross on your ears, that you may hear the voice of the Lord
Eyes
Receive the sign of the cross on your eyes, that you may see the glory of God.
Lips
Receive the sign of the cross on your lips, that you may respond to the Word of God.
Heart
Receive the sign of the cross over your heart, that Christ may dwell there by faith.
Shoulders
Receive the sign of the cross on your shoulders, that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ.
Hands
Receive the sign of the cross on your hands, that the Father may bless all you do.
Feet
Receive the sign of the cross on your feet, that you may walk in the way of Christ.
Liturgy of the Word
Sunday readings, homily,
Presentation of the Bible and CROSS
Intercessions
Prayers for catechumens, candidates, sponsors, and community.
Prayer over Catechumens
Prayer of exorcism/blessing for the unbaptized.
Prayer of Blessing for Candidates
Blessing for the baptized seeking full communion.
Dismissal of Catechumens
Catechumens are dismissed BEFORE the Eucharist
Catechumens follow Catechist to BREAK OPEN THE WORD
Beloved Families:
God has been actively forming the hearts and minds of your children/youth to become an active part of his family forever.
We hope that you are seeing how their faith in Jesus is growing and how they truly want to receive more of God’s grace-filled life through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
The season of Lent started on ASH Wednesday, February 18, 2026 . During the 40 days of LENT, we are taking time for self-examination and preparation for Easter.
We prayerfully remember how Jesus gave us the victory of a NEW and never ending LIFE by his suffering, death and resurrection. We celebrate this victory every year on Easter Sunday and every Sunday at MASS!!!
Saturday, February 28, 2026 @ 4PM @St. Francis
RITE of SENDING (Adults)
RITE of ELECTION (Children and Youth)
Sunday, March 1, 2026 @ 3PM @ University of San Diego Jenny Craig Pavilion
RITE OF ELECTION (Adults)
SCRUTINIES: Saturday 4:00 PM Masses at St. Francis
Saturday, March 7: First Scrutiny
Saturday, March 14: Second Scrutiny
Saturday, March 21: Third Scrutiny
We will post Mass Preparation resources to prepare your children/youth (and you) for each Scrutiny to break open and receive God’s WORD and teaching as a family of God.
Let us know if you have any questions or special prayer needs as we prepare for these important God moments and encounters with Jesus as our mighty Lord, Savior and Friend forever. Ms. Sue
THE RITE OF ELECTION for CHILDREN
PARENTS, GODPARENTS, SPONSORS:
Have these children and youth shown themselves to be sincere in their desire for Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist? (They have)
Have they listened to the Word of God? (They have)
Have they tried to live as his faithful followers? (They have)
Have they taken part in this community's life of prayer and service? (They have)
CHILDREN and YOUTH
Your parents, godparents and community have spoken in your favor. The Church in the name of Christ accepts their word and calls you to the Paschal (EASTER) Sacraments.
Now you must let the whole Church know that you have heard Christ calling you and that you want to follow him.
Therefore , do you wish to enter fully into life of the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist? (We do)
We will enter the names of the following children and youth as the ELECT seeking initiation at the Easter Vigil.
BRIAN , JAQUELINE, KEVIN, JOSHUA, MARLEN, AXEL
You have been chosen to be initiated at Easter through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
Everyone: Thanks be to God
God is always faithful to those he calls.
On your part, you must strive to know, love and serve the Lord
more and more with each passing day.
Continue to rely upon your godparents, parents, and catechists
for the help you will need to be faithful to the way of Jesus.
GODPARENTS and PARENTS:
May the Lord God Almighty bring joy to your hearts as the hope of eternal life shines forth upon these elect. By word and example, prove to be steadfast witnesses of the faith.
May these children grow as active members of God's people and may you be a constant support to each other in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN.
INTERCESSION FOR THE ELECT
As we begin this Lenten season, we look forward to the initiation of these children at Easter into the mystery of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
Let us pray that this Lent will be for them, and for all of us, a time of genuine Christian renewal.
That together we may grow this Lent in our love for God and neighbor,
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer
That these elect may be freed from selfishness
and learn to put others first,
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord hear our prayer
That their parents, godparents, and catechists
may be living examples of the Gospel to inspire these children
let us pray to the Lord
Lord hear our prayer
That their teachers may always convey to them
the beauty of God's word,
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord hear our prayer.
That these children may share with others
the joy they have found in their friendship with Jesus
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer.
That together with the adults who have been elected,
these children may learn to love the Church
and proudly profess what they believe
let us pray to the Lord:
Lord, hear our prayer.
PRAYER OVER THE ELECT
Lord God,
you created us
and you give us life.
Bless these children
and add them to your family.
May they be joyful in the life you won for us.
Through Christ our Lord.
AMEN
CLOSING PRAYER:
Beloved Children, ELECT of GOD,
you have entered with us on the Lenten journey
Christ will be for you the way, the truth, and the life.
Until we gather again, go in peace.
AMEN
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
Your children/youth will now participate in three weeks of purification and enlightenment of their souls. You and their godparents will experience amazing transformation as you come alongside them on this Lenten journey.
Your children/youth will have an opportunity to scrutinize or examine their lives as they study Bible stories that help them to grow in their awareness of sin and in the desire for salvation from sin.
They will come to yearn for the healing power of:
Jesus as living water for their lives,
Jesus as the light of the world, and,
Jesus as the resurrection and the life.
BAPTISM CANDLE for Easter Vigil:
brought by families/sponsors
ATTIRE: For 3 Sacraments
For MEN
White shirt with red tie
or
Red shirt with white tie
or
All white.
For WOMEN
All white
or
A combination of white and red
or
White top and red bottom or red top and white bottom (no low necks or mini dresses or mini skirts or sleeveless.