(Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash)
WAUNAKEE — On the first Sunday of Lent, March 9, more than 100 people came forward saying they want to be full members of the Catholic Church.
The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion for Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church was held at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee.
It’s part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
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.
This year there are 37 catechumens (elect), or those who are not yet baptized and will receive the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. There are 83 candidates — those who have been baptized Christian, but are seeking the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation.
The liturgy begins
The afternoon began with a prelude and opening hymn led by the Madison Diocesan Choir under the direction of Dr. Patrick Gorman and the Odyssey Woodwind Quartet.
Bishop Robert C. Morlino greeted everyone as the liturgy entered its first part — reading of Scripture and a homily.
During his homily, Bishop Morlino thanked everyone for the sacrifice to come to the liturgy, telling the elect and candidates they’re getting another “boost” on their way to Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
It’s my great joy to be with you at the beginning of Lent,” the bishop said, adding that the catechumens and candidates “will be transformed into the likeness of Christ through the sacraments.”
As the one-year anniversary of the selection of Pope Francis as the new pontiff neared, Bishop Morlino said, “Pope Francis is another Christ.” The pope “doesn’t place any obstacles in the way of people who are able to run toward the loving mercy of Christ.”
“As you become the Lord’s anointed ones,” Bishop Morlino said, “and as you go out and evangelize yourselves, you go out and bring the Good News to other people yourselves, you take them where they’re at.”
He repeated Pope Francis’ words on not “talking too much” about issues like abortion, birth control, and same sex unions when evangelizing people for the first time.
“Get them to see the beauty of Christ,” the bishop added. “Help them to get to see that by showing your mercy and your love and your charity and your warm welcome.”
“Down the line,” Bishop Morlino said, Christ “had to unveil more truth to the Apostles,” as an example of the next step of evangelization.
“To know Christ, to be close to Christ, and to love Christ is to know and love and serve the whole Christ, the whole truth about Christ,” the bishop said.
Called by name
After the homily, the catechumens, candidates, and their sponsors stood up. The bishop then asked the sponsors if the catechumens and candidates were prepared to continue their journey to enter the Church. The bishop asked the catechumens and candidates if they wished to enter fully into the life of the Church. They all responded, “We do.”
The catechumens then came forward to offer their names for enrollment by signing the Book of the Elect. Their sponsors placed their right hand on their shoulder as they approached and shook hands with Bishop Morlino. As this happened, parishioners sang “Blessed be God who Chose you in Christ.”
Next, the candidates came forward to approach the bishop with their sponsors. Their sponsors also placed their right hand on the candidate’s shoulders as they approached and shook hands with Bishop Morlino.
During this time, parishioners sang, “There is One Lord.”
After the candidates and their sponsors returned to their seats, intercessions were offered for the elect and candidates.
Bishop Morlino followed the intercessions saying a prayer over the elect and candidates.
At the end of the liturgy, the bishop thanked his “brother priests” for all their work and sacrifice to attend the ceremony as the priests all stood up to be recognized.