(Catholic Herald photo/Joe Ptak)
WAUNAKEE — While these past almost 12 months have been filled with reasons and methods to “distance” ourselves from one another, dozens of people growing in their faith recently had a chance to come closer to something.
These were people who want to be closer to God and closer to their fellow brothers and sisters in the Catholic Church.
They literally had to stand up, walk forward, and proclaim their intention to join that which is one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic.
These actions took place at the annual Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee on February 21.
This event, part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), typically takes place on the first Sunday of Lent.
The RCIA is the process through which adults are introduced to the Catholic faith and become members of the Church.
This will happen at the Easter Vigil Mass at their respective parishes.
The recent event consisted of catechumens (elect), or those who are not yet baptized and will receive the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
There were also candidates — those who have been Baptized Christian but are seeking the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation.
Joy and gratitude
“It is with great joy and gratitude to God that we gather today for this Rite of Election,” said Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison at the start of the afternoon’s event.
“It’s a wonderful way to see those coming into the Church this Easter. And, in this moment, the Church formally accepts that desire and publicly confirms it as you enter into these final weeks of preparation for the Easter Sacraments.
“Your presence and your entrance into the Church stirs all of our hearts to renew our commitment to Christ to the service of the Gospel and to our life in the Church.
“So, it’s with great joy and praise to God and gratitude for you that we enter into this time of prayer.”
The bishop continued on with an opening prayer which was followed by readings similar to those heard at Mass.
Msgr. James Gunn, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, read the Gospel reading from Mark — Christ calling his Apostles to follow him.
Following the Gospel reading, Bishop Hying gave a homily to those in attendance, along with those who watched via a livestream.
During his homily, the bishop reiterated that “we are filled with joy at this celebration.”
He continued, “We are filled with joy as we see new members coming into the Church, into the body of Christ.”
Coming forward
Following Bishop Hying’s homily, he came forward to call the catechumens to stand with their godparents.
The bishop asked the godparents to affirm their catechumens were ready to move forward into their full entrance into the Church.
He then asked the entire body in attendance to include the catechumens in their prayers moving toward Easter.
Next, he asked the catechumens to express their response to the call of Christ in the presence of the whole Church.
They were asked to come forward and offer their names for enrollment.
As the names of the represented parishes were called, along with the names of the individuals, the catechumens came forward to sign the Book of the Elect.
Following signing their names to that book, the catechumens, with the godparents approached Bishop Hying to be greeted before returning to their seats.
Bishop Hying told the godparents to accept the catechumens as now “chosen”.
Next, it was the candidates’ turn to affirm their journey to the Church.
They and their sponsors came forward to greet the bishop.
Again, each of the represented parishes was called, along with the names of the candidates as they approached the bishop.
After they had all returned to their seats, the bishop asked the candidates and sponsors to stand.
The sponsors then affirmed that their candidates were ready and prepared to enter fully into the Church.
The entire congregation was asked to pray for the candidates as well.
The event concluded with the praying of intercessions and a closing prayer by the bishop.
Bishop Hying thanked everyone involved and said we are reminded that “We are in the Church to form and help and love each other into the glory of God’s life”.
He also thanked those coming into the Church.
“Thank you for your ‘yes,'” he said, “Thank you for your commitment and just a realization of what that commitment means. It’s a fidelity to Sunday Eucharist and to daily prayer and living the life of Christ and becoming an active member of your community, of your parish.”