"Say a prayer"

That was no brief little prayer and poof you're a catechumen thing. She is learning that there is no such thing as a cursory prayer in the Orthodox Church.

She stood behind Father at the door to the nave. First he faced away from her and she was confused. Then he turned around and laid his hand on her head (he hardly had to bend his arm to do this, because he is so tall and she is small and felt even smaller staring at his cassock. No wonder so many wear such high heels to church.) He prayed over her and hesitated at her name. She thought he had forgotten it and murmured it but no, it was because he was meditating for a moment on the possible patron saints she had mentioned but she guesses he was not sold on St. Isadora (her choice at the moment). So he said we'll call you (her name) (no, it is not really Doc Bubbles) for now and went on. Then he stopped and said, "Now we go to the icon" and when she looked she saw all the people who had come already for Matins were turned to face them. Of course, they would face the Priest when he was praying, but Doc Bubbles had no idea anyone was paying attention! So she was startled and touched to see that this was not just a private event, but one in which they were all participating. (It's cool the way these things happen without a lot of preparation and put it in the bulletin and this and that. It's like naturally there are going to be special ministrations.) He brought her up to the main icon of today's martyrs to venerate and then to the icon of the Virgin of the Sign that is visiting. Then he lead her over to the confessional, and explained that is where confessions take place, and there's an icon of Jesus on the wall and the Gospel Book  and a Cross  on the table. These represent the Word and God's Love and she was to kiss them.  When asked later what he told her over there, the best way she could explain it was "that's the Jesus corner." (He says everything in these unique ways that are hard to repeat.) Then he blessed her again and took her by the hand (so she wouldn't trip down the stairs) and said she could go back to her usual spot (which she has kind of settled on). But on the way many of the ladies came to say "congratulations" and "welcome" and kiss her so she felt really warm and good.

Oh and there are two Divine Liturgies to attend next weekend!