There were a couple of people converting to the Novus Ordo during the last year before I finally escaped. There nun who ran the parish had three or four "rites" of this or that in which the candidates approached the altar during the Novus Ordo service, and had something or other done to them. The "welcoming" was the one, I think, where the candidates had to sign their name in a book--which was actually just a green hard-bound book of blank pages--to symbolize their desire to enter the church. The sister had actually written "The Book of Life" on the cover with a red sharpie marker and had purchased it specifically for this event.
Of course, each one of the "rites" were explained to everyone in detail because nothing about them was obviously apparent. It was just a show, and, frankly, all I can remember is that the candidates came up to the altar, Sister said a few things, they did something, everyone applauded, the candidates returned to the pews, and the service continued.
There was nothing remotely mystical, Catholic, or even religious about it.