Sixty catechumens at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Meruya took a decisive step toward baptism Sunday, receiving the Rite of Anointing as they prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation in December 2026.
The rite, conferred after a month-long catechumenate program, marks a key stage in the parish’s formation of new members through catechesis, communal support, and liturgical preparation.
After attending weekly sessions held every Sunday, focusing on the fundamentals of the Catholic faith, the 60 catechumens received the Rite of Anointing from the parish priest during an evening Mass.
To accommodate participants, the parish organizes two classes each week: one for children and teenagers, and another for adults, including the elderly.
Photo by Reinita/MKK Parish Church Social Communication Office
The catechumenate program is led by parish catechists with the support of volunteers from other parishes. Many of these volunteers have completed studies in philosophy and theology as seminarians, with most having previously discerned a vocation to the priesthood.
Witnessed by hundreds of parishioners
The Mass for the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) drew hundreds of parishioners and was presided over by Fr. Yohanes Tinto Tiopanus Hasugian, O.Carm.
The Eucharistic celebration was both solemn and vibrant, marked by an active choir, altar servers, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, as well as lectors and psalmists.
Members of the Parish Catechetical Team, led by Mrs. Vonny Susanty, were present to accompany the catechumens during the rite.
Ahead of the celebration, catechumens who had missed several sessions were invited to attend a supplementary class led by Fr. Tinto, O.Carm., associate priest of the parish.
“This special program is intended for those who were unable to attend previous sessions, so that they do not fall behind in understanding the essential teachings of the Catholic faith,” Mrs. Vonny said during a session with the adult group last week.
A commitment to the Catholic Church
Photo by Reinita/MKK Parish Church Social Communication Office
The catechumens are expected to receive the Sacrament of Baptism during the Christmas Mass of 2026.
Dressed in white tops paired with black skirts or trousers, the candidates approached one by one to receive the anointing.
Before the rite, the priest asked a series of questions to assess the candidates’ readiness to join the Catholic Church.
All responded in unison: “Yes, I am willing.”
The catechumenate team, represented by Mrs. Vonny Susanty, was also asked to affirm their commitment to accompany the candidates. They responded, “Yes, we are willing.”
