Service marks step closer to baptism, full initiation

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
March 9, 2006

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion were held March 5 in an afternoon ceremony at St. Mary Church in Storm Lake and an evening ceremony at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

This rite, held the first Sunday of Lent, was celebrated in Catholic churches throughout the world.

In Storm Lake, 16 catechumens - unbaptized persons - from nine parishes were elected for baptism this Easter. There were 42 candidates - those who have been baptized in the Catholic faith or that of another Christian denomination - called from 11 parishes to full initiation at the Easter vigil.

At the Sioux City ceremony, 17 catechumens from nine parishes and Briar Cliff University in Sioux City moved a step closer to baptism. There were 88 candidates from 20 parishes and Briar Cliff University that also took a step closer to full initiation in the Catholic Church.

In opening comments, Bishop R. Walker Nickless said, "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. We, too, must hear the call to conversion and renew our baptism."

The catechumens were elected to become full members of the Catholic Church during the Rite of Election. They will be baptized and receive the other sacraments of full initiation - Communion and confirmation - at the Easter vigil in their home parishes. The candidates, those who are already baptized, will likewise receive the other sacraments of full initiation in their home parishes on Holy Saturday.

The ceremonies in Storm Lake and Sioux City were almost identical with the exception of it being a trilingual service - Spanish, Vietnamese and English - at the Cathedral. 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 was in English.

In his homily, Bishop Nickless pointed out that the ceremony marked a great joy for the diocesan church and the worldwide Catholic Church.

"Thousands of people will join the Catholic Church this Easter vigil, on April 15. You are among them," said the bishop.

He told the catechumens and candidates that they were a sign that the Catholic Church is alive and well.

"You are in the midst of a defining moment in your lives - a very important moment. Life-changing. Truly a time of grace," said Bishop Nickless. "We, the members of the church with you tonight, thank you and we surround you with prayer tonight - with our love, our prayers for you and a warm, warm welcome."

He mentioned that the Scripture readings focused on God's will and said that the catechumens and candidates evidently were following God's will in their lives as they were called to become Roman Catholics.

"All of us here have spent many times in our lives trying not only to understand but also to put into practice God's will in our own lives," said Bishop Nickless. "Doing God's will is the only way to find happiness and fulfillment in this life and in the life to come."

The bishop acknowledged that following God's will was not always easy.

"St. Matthew tells us today about Jesus' 40 days in the desert. He is confronted with several choices. The devil tempts him to leave behind God's will and to think only of himself." Bishop Nickless said, "The devil tempts each of us in the same way. The devil offers us comfort, wealth and power."

The bishop said that Jesus wants people to follow him and God's will in their lives.

"He stands before us as an example of what we should all do when we are confronted by the temptations of the devil and the empty promises of this world," said the bishop.

Referring to the first reading, the bishop said that just as God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, on Easter "the risen Christ will breathe the new life of the Holy Spirit in his new creation, the church. When those of you here are confirmed at the Easter vigil, you too will receive the breath of the new life of the Holy Spirit."

The bishop said that all people must be willing to grow in the understanding of their Catholic faith. He extended thanks and congratulations to the catechumens and candidates.

Following the homily, a representative from each parish 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.

During this rite, the bishop questioned the godparents as to the catechumens' readiness in receiving the sacraments and he addressed those 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.

Deacons carried the Book of Elect to the bishop. The deacons assisting with the ceremony in Storm Lake were Bob Lenz and Eldon Sullivan and in Sioux City the deacons were Larry Sitzman and Ron Pietz.

"In the name of Christ and as shepherd of the church of the Diocese of Sioux City, I elect these catechumens to persevere in their preparation in the faith, and to be baptized on Holy Saturday," said the bishop.

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.

"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," said the bishop. "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 ceremony closed with the bishop offering a blessing for the elect and the candidates.