Neophyte Mass

Bishop James Ruggieri will celebrate the annual Neophyte Mass on Saturday, May 31, at 4 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland. Those newly initiated or received into the Catholic Church on Easter who attend this liturgy will receive a special blessing, a small gift, as well as enjoy a light reception after the Mass.

A neophyte is a newly initiated person who is going through the final period of Christian Initiation, the post-baptismal catechesis called "mystagogy." The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults notes that during the period of mystagogy, in order to begin pastoral contact with the new members of his Church, the bishop meets again with those whose names were called at the Rite of Election. To celebrate this, the neophytes and newly received, along with their families and friends, are invited to attend a Mass with the bishop to rejoice in their initiation.

The Mass is not intended for neophytes alone. All are invited to attend and to celebrate with those newly welcomed into the Catholic faith.

PARISH LEADERS:

Please RSVP by May 27  with names and total number of neophytes and guests attending from your parish. In addition to receiving a special blessing from the bishop, neophytes in attendance at this liturgy will receive a special gift from the diocese.  

Click here for more information to share with the neophytes.