The Rites

Second semester brings with it a new realization of the immanence of ordination for the Theology III men. This is true not only because our annual evaluations happen so early in the semester, but also because we are currently involved in our first Liturgical Presidency practicum courses. These are the classes that we have all been waiting for since the beginning of our careers as seminarians; they are the classes where we finally get to learn how to perform the rites of the Church.

The class this semester will require us to learn many of the Rites for Christian Initiation as well as funerals, weddings, baptisms of infants, and the deacon parts for the Mass. We are to simulate the rite as though it is the real thing - the person in the role of presider wears the priest's vestments. The deacon role requires the deacon's vestments. We are encouraged to use men from other classes in the rite so that it becomes a bit more unpredictable, more like the real event in a parish.

Our first assignment was due on Friday morning. I was only the moderator of the project this time, which means that I keep notes and organized the affair. We were doing the Rite of Welcoming. You might recall this rite from a Sunday Mass in the fall. It is the one where those to enter the Church at Easter are recognized as catechumens; all of their sense are marked with the cross, and they receive a Bible.

The rite seemed to go well. We had rehearsed it thoroughly and while there were a few foibles here and there (I forgot to light the candles), we didn't miss anything major. I now get a week off while other men demonstrate the Third Scrutiny and Rite of Sending. In two week's time, I will being playing the part of the deacon as we learn the Easter Vigil.

One might assume that these things are easily learned - that we should just be able to read the book and then do it. I assure you, it feels rather awkward to stand in front of a bunch of people with your hands in the air, and getting used to the extra layers of clothing takes some time. But, like I said, we have been looking forward to these classes for years now. We are having a lot of fun with them.