Q: I hope you are doing well!  Here I am with another question.

We are preparing two Christians from the Orthodox tradition for full communion. I understand that the reception should be as simple as possible: When Other Christians Become Catholic says that the priest simply places his hand on their head and says the Act of Reception: “The Lord receives you into the Catholic Church…”  Do Orthodox candidates also need to pray the Nicene Creed and the profession “I believe and profess” that follows at OCIA 491?  I would love to know what you have done in these circumstances.

Thanks a million!

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A: OCIA 474 calls for “a simple profession of the Catholic faith.” So, yes, at 491 I’d have the candidate recite the Nicene Creed and make the statement that begins “I believe and profess.” Then 492 follows (hand on head as you indicate), confirmation is omitted, and the priest resumes at 495.

I would counsel a conversation with a canonist in the diocese to make sure you’re not overlooking something.