A Rite of Blessing during the Pandemic

How do we pray for our catechumens and candidates during this time of remote, virtual services?  Here is one suggestion adapted from the RCIA:

A RITE FOR ONLINE BLESSING OF CATECHUMENS AND CANDIDATES WHEN INITIATION HAS BEEN DELAYED

(After the homily or after the Prayers of the People, a presbyter addresses everyone but especially those preparing for initiation.)

Instruction

PM: Although both catechumens and candidates of our congregation (N&N&N) have been called to celebrate the sacraments of full initiation into the Church, that celebration has been delayed and their preparation continues.

It is our joy and our responsibility then to continue our prayers for them that Christ may more and more fill their minds with his truth and their hearts with his love.

Invitation

AM: I now invite all those whom God has chosen and called to grow in faith to bow their heads and pray for God’s blessing.  I invite their sponsor or someone with them, if possible, to lay a hand upon their shoulder.  Let us all raise a hand in blessing over them.

Prayer of Blessing

PM: Let us pray.

God of power and grace,  it is your will to renew everything in Christ and to draw us into his all-embracing love.  Guide these whom you have chosen (N&N&N); strengthen them in their vocation; build them more and more into the kingdom of your Son, and seal them with all the gifts of your promised Spirit.   We ask this through Christ our Lord

All: Amen.

Adapted from RCIA 559B

Michael Marchal, JBL Board Member 

Our friends at TeamRCIA (TeamRCIA.com)have numerous suggestions on how to adapt your catechumenate meetings and rites for remote ministry.