March 7, 2009
‘God has called us’
More than 1,100 welcomed during Rite of Election
By Herald staff
A sponsor congratulates a catechumen with a hug during the Rite of Election in the cathedral. Paul Gaviglio/Herald photo
More than 1,100 adult and child catechumens and candidates in the diocese
were welcomed during four celebrations of the Rite of Election in Sacramento
and Red Bluff Feb. 28 and March 1-2.
Those who are not yet baptized are called catechumens. At the Easter Vigil they receive all three sacraments of Christian initiation — baptism, confirmation and their first Eucharist. Those already baptized in other churches or who were baptized Catholic but not raised in the faith are called candidates. At Easter they receive confirmation and the Eucharist.
The Rite of Election, celebrated annually in cathedrals and churches around the world on the first Sunday of Lent, formally acknowledges the readiness of catechumens preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation. The rite marks the beginning of the period of purification and enlightenment.
The catechumens expressed their willingness to receive the sacraments of
initiation and the candidates accepted the call to continuing conversion.
Sponsors and family members of the catechumens and candidates joined in
the ceremonies with Bishop Jaime Soto, held at the Cathedral of the Blessed
Sacrament in Sacramento and Sacred Heart Church in Red Bluff.
