Welcome to the Catechumenate!
After the Rite of Acceptance you are now Catechumens.
The term comes from the Greek katēchoumenos, meaning “one being instructed,” and has been used since the early Church to describe those preparing for Christian initiation.
Those who are already baptised are called Candidates.
Today we reflect on the third person in the trinity, the Holy Spirit. The image above is from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, a window in a central piece of art known as the Throne of St. Peter. At its heart is a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, with an impressive wingspan of 6 feet, highlighting its grandeur. The window is crafted not from glass, but from alabaster, a translucent stone that adds a unique glow to the piece. This magnificent work was completed around 1660.
Watch: I believe in the Holy Spirit.
After his Ascension, Christ sent his Church the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit constitutes the Church and empowers her to bring salvation to the world. Through the Holy Spirit, every soul is united to the Body of Christ, including yours.
After the session: Read the account of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost from Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2.