Our Church opens her arms to embrace Brett Oelke this Sunday as we  celebrated one of the rituals that accompany Christian initiation: the Rite of Acceptance.  Brett came to us some months ago, asking about Christ and how to follow him as Roman Catholics.  We have shared that story with him, and helped him see how God has been acting in his life.  He has already begun to walk in Christ’s footsteps and now come to us, asking for us to accept him, on behalf of the entire Church, into a spiritual journey of preparation that will lead to Confirmation and Eucharist. His grace led him     today, where we had the privilege of accepting him, embracing him, and formally beginning what will be a lifelong relationship with Christ and the Church.  Today we begin to call him OUR candidate, and will care for him as a mother cares for her children.  And when his preparation is complete, we will rejoice with him as he comes with us to the Table of the Lord.