Diocese holds Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted March 13, 2003

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion were held March 9 in an afternoon ceremony at St. Mary Church in Storm Lake and an evening service at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

Twenty-eight catechumens celebrated another step toward baptism and 83 candidates moved toward full initiation into the Catholic Church - from 17 parishes - at the ceremony in Storm Lake. In Sioux City, 21 catechumens and 67 candidates from another 17 parishes took part in the service.

"Those of us who gather here as godparents, sponsors, family or friends walk this Lenten journey with those who seek to become members of our church," said Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo.

During the Rite of Election, the bishop elected the catechumens, the unbaptized, to become members of the church at their individual parishes in the diocese at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

The candidates are people that have been baptized in either the Catholic faith or another Christian denomination but have not received the other Sacraments of Initiation - first Eucharist and confirmation.

The services in both locations - Storm Lake and Sioux City - were almost identical with the exception of trilingual aspects of the ceremony at the Cathedral. The service commenced with the Liturgy of the Word. In Sioux City, the first reading, Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 was presented in Spanish. The second reading, Romans 5:12, 17-19 was delivered in Vietnamese and the Gospel, Matthew 4:1-11, proclaimed in English, focused on Christ resisting temptations by the devil in the desert.

Deacons Ron Forrest and Mike Hand, both of Sioux City, assisted with the service at the Cathedral, while Deacons LeRoy Rupp of Cherokee and Bob Larsen of Algona assisted in Storm Lake.

Bishop DiNardo was the homilist at both services.

He told those gathered that the second reading contained a very important line from St. Paul. Referring to the passage, the bishop said, "If one who has disobedience can produce death, then one who has obedience - the man Christ Jesus, God's beloved son - can create new life, grace and mercy for us all.

"That should be the center of our constant reflection on this day," he stressed. He described the day as "a splendid occasion" for the diocese, for himself as shepherd, as well as for the priests and those who serve as mentors and sponsors along with family and friends.

He said it was as if they were now "on the mark", with the season of Lent as "get set" and Easter as "go."

"As we are on the mark tonight, ready to get set throughout Lent, may I express my appreciation to all of you, who are catechumens and candidates, for your journey of faith," said Bishop DiNardo. "Each one a unique journey."

He pointed out that unlike many social clubs, once you are initiated into the church, your initiation keeps on going.

"You are baptized and confirmed only once, but there is a third sacrament of initiation - the Eucharist - that keeps on giving," said the bishop. "That means you are always, always in the process of initiation."

He made note of the trilingual service, pointing out that the diocese now consisted of 20 percent Spanish-speaking parishioners. He added that there was also a significant number of Vietnamese-speaking parishioners in Sioux City.

"We are always delighted when God's word can be proclaimed in both of those languages so that you and I can realize we are a universal church," said Bishop DiNardo.

Following the homily, a representative from each parish called the catechumens forward. The unbaptized signed the Book of Elect before taking their place in the sanctuary.

The bishop questioned the godparents as to the catechumens' readiness for receiving the sacraments of Christian initiation and addressed those gathered in the church, asking them to affirm and support the catechumens. He then asked catechumens about their own intentions. At Cathedral, he did this in English and Spanish. Father Hieu Nguyen, Vietnamese pastoral minister at Cathedral, addressed the catechumens in Vietnamese.

The deacons brought forth the Book of Elect and presented them to Bishop DiNardo.

After accepting the catechumens into the elect, the bishop said, "God is always faithful to those who are called: now it is your duty, as it is ours, to be faithful to God in return, and to strive courageously to reach the fullness of truth, which your election opens up before you."

The candidates were then called forward by a parish representative during the Call to Continuing Conversion. They took their place in the sanctuary with their sponsors.

The sponsors and general assembly gave affirmation before Bishop DiNardo asked the candidates, in both English and Spanish, if they wished to continue the process of conversion. After the candidates responded, the bishop said, "My friends, 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."

As the service concluded, with outstretched hands, Bishop DiNardo offered a blessing over the elect and candidates.

He prayed, "Father of love and power, it is your will to establish everything in Christ and to draw us into his all-embracing love. Guide these chosen ones: Strengthen them in their vocation, build them into the kingdom of your son, and seal them with the spirit of your promise. We ask this through Christ our Lord."