Sixty catechumens at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Meruya Parish, West Jakarta, Indonesia, marked a significant step in their journey toward the Catholic faith by receiving the Rite of Anointing on April 12, the Divine Mercy Sunday, drawing hundreds of parishioners who witnessed the solemn Eucharistic liturgy.
The Mass was presided over by Fr. Yohanes Tinto Tiopanus Hasugian, O.Carm., who led the candidates through the rite after assessing their readiness and commitment to join the Church. Responding in unison to a series of questions, the catechumens affirmed their intention, saying, “Yes, I am willing.”
The 60 participants had completed a month-long catechumenate program held every Sunday afternoon, focusing on the fundamental teachings of the Catholic faith. To accommodate different age groups, the parish organized two separate classes, one for children and teenagers, and another for adults, including the elderly.
The program was facilitated by parish catechists along with volunteers, many of whom have backgrounds in philosophy and theology, including former seminarians. Their involvement reflects a broader collaborative effort within the local Church to nurture new members of the faith.
Members of the parish catechetical team, led by Vonny Susanty, were present during the celebration to accompany and encourage the catechumens. Ahead of the rite, supplementary sessions were also organized for those who had missed earlier classes. One such session was led by Fr. Manaek Martinus Sinaga, associate parish priest, to ensure that all candidates were adequately prepared.
Dressed in white tops paired with black skirts or trousers, the catechumens approached the altar one by one to receive the anointing, symbolizing their growing commitment to the Catholic faith.
The group now looks ahead to receiving the Sacrament of Baptism during the Christmas Mass in 2026, marking the culmination of their faith journey and full initiation into the Church.
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