Neophyte Mass Information for Parish Leaders

Please ask neophytes and newly received to arrive at the Cathedral no later than 3:15 p.m.  

• The neophytes are encouraged to wear white in honor of their recent baptism; newly received through Confirmation and first holy Communion are encouraged to wear red.
   
• Pews will be reserved toward the front of the church with sufficient seating for those who pre-registered along with their godparents and families. Neophytes and newly received are asked to sit near the aisles to make it easier for them to come forward for the blessing. 
   
• There will not be a rehearsal. After the recitation of the creed, Bishop Ruggieri will invite the neophytes and newly received at Easter to line up at the bottom of the steps to the sanctuary (on the floor in front of the first pew). At the end of the intercessions, the bishop will offer a special blessing over those newly initiated into the Catholic Church. All will return to their pews after the blessing to continue with the Liturgy of the Eucharist as usual. Kim Suttie from the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation will be on hand to help direct the neophytes and newly received.

• After the Mass has concluded, the neophytes and newly received will join Bishop Ruggieri on the steps on the sanctuary for a group picture and to receive a small gift from the diocese to support them in their first season of mystagogy.

• There will be a small reception in the Guild Hall next to the cathedral following Mass.