March 2003

Phoenix Diocese Welcomes More Than 1,800 New Catholics

(March 3 Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix) - More than 1,800 Catechumens and Candidates seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church will participate in the annual Rite of Election ceremony to show spiritual readiness and willingness to become Catholics. Due to the large number of participants, there will be three separate ceremonies: Sunday, Mar. 9 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Monday, Mar. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Each ceremony is held at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Ave. in Phoenix. Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien will preside over the Liturgy of the Word prayer services.

The Rite of Election ceremony is the official call for Catechumens and Candidates to begin final preparation for Easter sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Catechumens 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.

Parish communities send Catechumens and Candidates to gather at the “Mother Church”, our Cathedral, to publicly respond to the call to enter the Church at Easter Vigil ceremonies in individual parishes.

After the Bishop officially calls the Catechumens and Candidates to prepare for 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 Catechumens, Candidates, and their sponsors and families.

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March 2003