CHARLESTON — After a course of study through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program, just over 500 candidates and catechumens came into full communion with the church this Easter in the Diocese of Charleston.
Most ceremonies took place on the Easter vigil with catechumens being baptized and candidates being received into the church. All were confirmed.
The candidates and catechumens profess their faith in the doctrine of the Catholic Church and join their fellow parishioners at the altar of the Lord for the first time.
Many parishes maintain regular prayer intentions for their candidates and catechumens as they prepare to come into the church. With an entire community praying for them, they joyfully enter the life of the church.
Often, these men, women and children are much-needed reminders for “cradle Catholics” of the great tradition and faith life that is the Catholic Church.