Rite of Election welcomes catechumens preparing for Easter

Lent marks final journey for hundreds on the road
to Full Participation in the Catholic Church

WORCESTER – Hundreds of people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Worcester on Sunday, Feb. 18, when 216 catechumens and candidates along with their sponsors and families participated in various rites leading to completing their initiation into the Catholic Church. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult (RCIA) is the sacramental process used worldwide in the Roman Catholic Church through which catechumens prepare for initiation and candidates (already baptized) come into full communion or complete their initiation into the Roman Catholic Church.
            The Rite of Election was celebrated by 107 adults and children, the second step in their journey to full initiation at Easter.  In the ceremony, Bishop McManus accepted the testimony of their sponsors and declared them “worthy candidates" for the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist which they will celebrate in their parishes at the Easter Vigil
            Forty-two adults baptized in other Christian traditions are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.  They were recognized by the bishop and “called to continuing conversion throughout this season of Lent as they prepare for full Eucharistic sharing at Easter.”  Another 67 adult Catholics were recognized and called to complete their initiation through the sacrament of confirmation in the near future.
            These catechumens and candidates come from 45 parishes in the Diocese of Worcester and Assumption College’s campus ministry.  The liturgical ceremony is celebrated annually on the First Sunday of Lent in cathedrals throughout the world as part of the RCIA.