At the Feb. 10 Rite of Election of Catechumens and of the Call to Continuing Conversion of Baptized Catholics, Bishop George J. Lucas welcomes the catechumens (standing with their sponsors) who gather in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Parish coordinators are carrying the Book of the Elect.

Frigid weather last weekend did nothing to detain the 354 catechumens and candidates hailing from 63 places in the Springfield diocese (both parishes and universities) from traveling to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield.

The catechumens and candidates came to the cathedral, along with their sponsors, godparents, priests, family and friends, for the Rite of Election of Catechumens and of the Call to Continuing Conversion of Baptized Catholics. The liturgy takes place each year on the first weekend of Lent.  

Because so many individuals participate, the Feb. 9 liturgy was held at 7 p.m. for people who live close to Springfield, while the Feb. 10 liturgy was held at 2:30 p.m. for those who had to travel from across the diocese to attend. Participants included catechumens (unbaptized), Christian candidates for full communion, and Catholic candidates for confirmation and the Eucharist.

As part of his homily on Sunday afternoon, Bishop George J. Lucas said the participants were "marking a special milestone" that day. He issued what he termed "two challenges" to the assembly while noting that he understood "responding to Jesus in the 21st century is not always easy."

 "We're also expecting some things from you. It will be an exchange of gifts," Bishop Lucas said. "First, I challenge you to continue to learn more about the Catholic faith," he said, adding that Catholics can never exhaust the possibilities in learning more about the church.

"Become active members of the church communities," Bishop Lucas issued as his second challenge. "For two thousand years we've been waiting for you to come along. We expect your participation and we need it - and the Lord expects it."

During the liturgy, in which the assembly participates, Bishop Lucas ratified the enrollment of the names of catechumens in the parishes' Book of the Elect. From now until they are baptized, these individuals will be referred to as "the elect." Bishop Lucas then recognized the candidates who will complete their Christian initiation.

Following the Election and Call to Conversion nothing stands in the way of these people becoming Catholic. For them, Lent is a period of enlightenment and purification, when they and their parish communities focus on conversion and reflect on their decision to join the church.

Although these people gathered at the Cathedral for this liturgy, the elect and candidates will become full members of the church through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at their own parish Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 22.