February 14, 2008

Preparing to Join the Family of the Catholic Church

On Sunday, February 10, Bishop J. Terry Steib, S.V.D. welcomed nearly 300 people who are preparing to celebrate the Easter Sacraments at this year's Easter Vigil throughout the Diocese of Memphis. With their sponsors, godparents, family and friends present, they celebrated the Combined Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion.

"Today we celebrate a milestone in the journey of faith for those wishing to gain full communion within the Catholic Church. We gather to commit to them our support," said Bishop Steib.

Two celebrations were held Sunday to accommodate the large crowds, and the church was filled for both services as people gathered to celebrate these major rites in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (commonly referred to as the RCIA).

For the Rite of Election, each catechumen, those who are unbaptized, was called by name. Bishop Steib then questioned their sponsors about the readiness of the catechumens.

The gathered assembly was also asked to affirm the disposition of the catechumens. Bishop Steib then acknowledged the testimony received on behalf of the catechumens and asked them to publicly state their desire to enter fully into the life of the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

As part of this public testimony, each catechumen signs his or her name in the Book of the Elect. The book is then enthroned at the Cathedral throughout the season of Lent.

The Rite of Election changes the status of the catechumens. We are accustomed to "electing" people to public office. In the RCIA, "election" is focused on what God has done and is doing in the lives of the people who are journeying toward full communion with the Catholic Church. This is a significant turning point for them, as it brings the Catechumenate to an end, and inaugurates the period of purification.

After the Elect were acknowledged, the candidates, those previously baptized in other Christian traditions, were then called by name and asked to stand and come forward with their sponsors. Bishop Steib then questioned the sponsors regarding the candidate's readiness to share fully in the Church's sacraments.

Bishop Steib then declared, "The Church recognizes your desire to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and to have a place at Christ's Eucharistic table. Join with us this Lent in a spirit of repentance. Hear the Lord's call to conversion and be faithful to your baptismal covenant."

The celebration of the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion is a reminder that God continues to work in the hearts of all people, calling them to Himself. As fully initiated members of the body of Christ, it is the privilege and responsibility of the community of faith to keep the elect and candidates in prayer as the community looks forward to welcoming them as fully initiated Catholics at this year's Easter celebrations.