Initiation Ceremony

About

After a young person makes their prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. they can enroll to become a Junior Knight or Junior Lady.

Any adult or parent can act as the officiant and enroll young people in the Youth Crusade. 

If a young person doesn’t have anyone that is willing to act as the Officiant, they can say both parts, and enroll themself, though this is the unusual way to do things.

Preparation: Preferably, any who seek to become a Knight or a Lady should undergo a time of discernment before initiation. It is recommended for them to pray to Jesus about their consideration and meditate on the love of His Sacred Heart. 

Location: This initiation ceremony can be adapted flexibly, whether in a small home, chapel, a church, a stadium, outdoors, or on a video call. It is deeply spiritual and so reverence for Jesus Christ, who is present to us, should be respected. It is possible to make suitable additions to this ceremony, but nothing shall be taken away.

Initiation Ceremony

All present shall invoke Jesus Christ in prayer. If the Officiant would like to begin the ceremony with a speech they can.

Then: All make the Sign of the Cross. All in silence shall kneel and ask God to dwell in the hearts of those present. “Dwell in our hearts.”

After a long period of silence, all stand once the Officiant stands, and when all are standing, the Officiant says the words of the prophets.

“Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.” (1 Samuel 3:9)

“And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send? and who shall go for us? And I said: Lo, here am I, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

The Officiant shall then pray the following prayer:

“Lord Jesus, you continue to raise up servants to accomplish all that you have commanded. Therefore, inspire the heart of this (or these) Squire(s) to be a beacon of your light in the world. Make them a firm disciple of faith and an instrument of your will. Amen.”

The Officiant shall then ask the Squire:

“Are you ready to become a member of the Youth Crusade and to strive your best, by the grace of God, to follow all impulses of the Holy Spirit, obey all that Jesus may ask of you, and do all for the glory of the Father?”

Squire replies: “I am.”

The Squire(s) then kneel.

Officiant: “Are you ready to contribute to this Youth Crusade with love, prayer, study, and sacrifice?”

Squire: “I am.”

Officiant: “God hears your willingness to serve him. I, your friend in this Crusade, also recognize your zeal. Again, I ask: Are you ready to serve God and share the love of His Sacred Heart with the whole world?”

Squire: “I am.”

Officiant: “With willing dedication, you can now make your commitment.”

Squire: “I consecrate myself today to Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God. I offer myself as a servant in the conquest of the world for the Sacred Heart. I will pray, I will sacrifice, I will serve, that the Kingdom of Christ may be spread on earth. Dear Jesus, King of this new Crusade, accept my pledge of loyal service. I surrender my heart to thee. Inspire in me loyalty to your Sacred Heart and zeal for souls. Amen.”

Officiant: “May God bless you, dear (Knight or Lady, or Knights and Ladies) and Our Lady keep you forever. Hold fast to all that Our Lord commands and constantly renew yourself with the fire of His Sacred Heart. Welcome to this Youth Crusade for the salvation of souls. We shall conquer! God wills it!”

All make the Sign of the Cross and then stand.

All say with joy: “The Sacred Heart of Jesus for the World! The World for the Sacred Heart!”

This ending chant can be repeated as many times as those present desire and applause is warranted. Music can also be played at this time. If possible, it is optional to process out with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, as is traditionally done. This moment also makes for a time to transition into a Mass.

Celebration is appropriate now that the ritual has been completed.