Over 1800 New Roman Catholics Join the Church

Febraury 2001

Over 1800 New Roman Catholics join the Church

(Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) -- This year over 1800 Catechumens and candidates seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church will participate in the annual Rite of Election, a ceremony where they testify to their spiritual readiness and willingness to become Catholics. Due to the large number of people participating, there will be three separate ceremonies held at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 4, 2001 at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 North 27th Avenue in Phoenix. The Most Reverend Thomas J. O'Brien, Bishop of Phoenix, will preside over the Liturgy of the Word prayer services.

Bishop O'Brien will officially call forth the Catechumens and Candidates to begin their final preparation for the Easter sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Catechumens are people who have not yet received the sacrament of Baptism. Candidates have received the sacrament of Baptism in a Christian faith, but will receive Confirmation and Eucharist to complete their Initiation Sacraments.

Before the Rite of Election is celebrated, Catechumens and Candidates are expected to have undergone a conversion in mind and action, and to have developed a sufficient understanding of Catholic teachings, as well as a spirit of faith and charity.

At the celebration, the parish communities send forth the Candidates and Catechumens to gather at the “Mother Church”, our Cathedral, to publicly respond to the call to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil ceremonies that will take place in their parishes. After the Bishop officially calls the Candidates and Catechumen to prepare for the Easter Sacraments, a representative from each parish will come forward to present their Book of Elect to the Bishop.Following each Rite of Election ceremony, a reception with Bishop O’Brien will be held for the Catechumens, Candidates, and their sponsors and families.

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