Rite of Election marks step closer to baptism, entering fully into the church

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
March 1, 2007

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion for the Diocese of Sioux City was held in an evening ceremony on Feb. 25 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

Due to inclement weather, the ceremony that was to be held at St. Mary Parish in Storm Lake was canceled. Individual parishes will hold their own ceremonies for catechumens and candidates who were unable to attend the ceremony in Sioux City or who had planned to attend in Storm Lake.

The rite, held the first Sunday of Lent, was celebrated in Catholic churches throughout the world. The number of people wishing to enter the Catholic Church that were sent into the Diocese of Sioux City include 46 catechumens, who are unbaptized persons; and 120 candidates, those who have been baptized in the Catholic faith or that of another Christian denomination.

"My friends we gather tonight with great joy as those of us from parishes throughout the diocese continue another step on the journey toward baptism. It is also a step toward full initiation into the church for those who have already been baptized in the Catholic faith or another denomination," said Bishop R. Walker Nickless, in his opening comments. "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 renewal of 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 readings for the ceremony were Deuteronomy 26:4-10, a sung psalm and Romans 10:8-13. After the readings, Bishop Nickless gave the homily. He welcomed all of the catechumens and candidates who want to become part of the Catholic faith. He commented that though the weather was not cooperating he was thankful to those who made the "extra effort" to get to the ceremony, especially those who traveled a long distance.

"For those of you preparing for baptism in the Roman Catholic Church, you have entered into the final and in many ways the most intense period of preparation. This period is called the time of purification and enlightenment," said the bishop. "As the season of Lent unfolds in your parishes, you will undergo many rites and ceremonies in your own communities. You have already experienced the initial call of God to change in your way of life. You desire to become Christians, to accept Jesus as the one and only master of your life."

Bishop Nickless explained that after the rite that evening, those entering the church would go through the scrutinies, the presentation of the creed and the presentation of the Lord's Prayer. They will then receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

"As you continue to let the Spirit of God work in your lives, you are hopefully undergoing a profound change in your lives," said Bishop Nickless. "Before today you were called catechumens. You are now called the elect. You have become the elect of God - chosen by God and elected for baptism."

The bishop noted that the catechumens serve as a model for those who are already members of the church.

"We, too, want to renew our baptismal promises on Easter Sunday. We look to you for your example and strength as we use this season of Lent to change ourselves," said Bishop Nickless. "Hopefully we who are already members of the church can be models to you. Hopefully we, especially your sponsors, can show you by our own lives what it means to be active Christians. We are so happy for you today as you begin the last stage of your the preparation to meet the Lord in water, oil, the bread of life and the cup of salvation."

He then addressed the candidates, those who are already baptized either as Catholics or other religious traditions.

"You, too, have heard a call from the Lord, not to abandon your Christian roots, but to deepen them in your understanding of Christianity," said Bishop Nickless. "God is calling you into the fullness of becoming Roman Catholic. You will soon receive the sacraments of penance, confirmation and Eucharist yourselves. We welcome you and affirm your decision to join us."

The bishop talked about the readings and how they "help us focus on the conversion that is necessary in our lives as we use these Lenten days wisely. All of us sense the need of change and repentance in our lives."

"All of us have been given these wonderful 40 days of Lent. I encourage us to use them well for our conversion and greater growth in holiness," said Bishop Nickless. "Tonight we take a very important step in our lives. We are filled with joy and pride as we continue our prayers for you and your closeness to holiness in the Lord. Welcome to our church. Welcome into the faith of Jesus Christ."

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 places 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.

Deacon Ron Pietz carried the Book of Elect to the bishop. Deacon Larry Sitzmann also assisted with the ceremony in Sioux City.

A parish representative then called the candidates forward during the Call to Continuing Conversion. They took their places in the sanctuary with their sponsors.

The sponsors and general assembly gave affirmation of the candidates to the bishop 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.

"These elect and candidates will look to us for examples of Christian renewal," said Bishop Nickless. "Let us pray to the Lord for them and for ourselves that they may be renewed by one another's efforts and together come to share the joy of Easter."

The ceremony closed with the bishop offering a blessing for the elect and the candidates. A reception followed the ceremony in the basement of the Cathedral.