Rite of Election, Call to Continuing Conversion - A step closer to full membership

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
February 17, 2005

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion were held Feb. 13 in an afternoon service at St. Mary Church in Storm Lake and an evening service at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

In Storm Lake, 29 catechumens celebrated another step closer to their baptism and 64 candidates moved toward full initiation into the Catholic Church. They came from 21 parishes of the diocese. In Sioux City, another 29 catechumens and 86 candidates from 18 parishes were called at the service.

"Those of us who gather here as godparents, sponsors, family and friends walk this Lenten journey with those who seek to become members of our church," said Msgr. Roger Augustine, diocesan administrator who led the service at both locations.

During the Rite of Election, the diocesan administrator elected the catechumens - the unbaptized - to become members of the church. They will be baptized and receive the other sacraments of initiation - Communion and confirmation - at the Easter vigil in their home parishes. The candidates - those who are already baptized in the Catholic faith or another Christian denomination - were accepted and will receive the sacraments of full initiation in their parishes on Holy Saturday.

The services in both locations were almost identical with the exception of the bilingual aspects of the Sioux City ceremony. In Sioux City, the first (Deuteronomy 26:4-10) and second reading (Romans 10:8-13) were delivered in Spanish. The Gospel, Luke 4:1-13 that centered on Christ's temptations in the desert, was delivered in English.

In his homily, Msgr. Augustine pointed out that Lent was a time to "refocus ourselves on what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Oftentimes we make our lives very, very complicated. Lent reminds us to rid ourselves of some of those things that complicate our lives."

He stressed the fact that Lent was a time for people to confront their own lives and behavior.

Referring to the Gospel, the diocesan administrator pointed out that Jesus faced three temptations. He was tempted to turn the stones into bread, to seek power and to test God himself.

"Those temptations that Jesus had are told to us to help us on our Lenten journey - that we might focus our lives to respond to our own temptations, to understand what it means to be a Christian Catholic, a follower of Jesus," said Msgr. Augustine.

He told those gathered that no matter if they were a catechumen preparing for baptism, a candidate who is receiving full initiation or have been a Catholic for years, all must use the Lenten season as a time to reflect on their lives, temptations and relationships with God.

"Lent is a time for me to really check to see if I am making my life very complicated and turning away the Lord or keeping it very simple to walk in his ways," said Msgr. Augustine.

Following the homily, a representative from each church called the catechumens forward for the Rite of Election. The unbaptized signed the Book of Elect before taking their place in the sanctuary with their godparents.

The diocesan administrator questioned the godparents as to the catechumen's readiness for receiving the sacraments of Christian initiation and addressed those gathered in the church, asking them to affirm and support these individuals. He then questioned the catechumens, asking if they wished to enter fully into the life of the church through baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist.

Next, two deacons carried the Books of the Elect to Msgr. Augustine. In Storm Lake, those assisting with the ceremony were Deacon Eldon Sullivan and Deacon Bob Larson. In Sioux City, Deacon Larry Sitzman and Deacon Mike Hand assisted the diocesan administrator.

After accepting the catechumens into the elect, Msgr. Augustine 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 of the candidates to the diocesan administrator before he asked the individuals if they wished to continue the process of conversion - to enter fully into the life of the church through the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.

After the candidates responded, Msgr. Augustine 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."

The service closed with a blessing over the elect and candidates.

"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. Amen."