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Rite marks step closer to full membership

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
(Email Katie)

With her godparent by her side, Jessica Engelbrecht approached the altar at Cathedral of the Epiphany to sign the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election.

She was one of 25 catechumens, unbaptized persons in formation to join the Catholic Church, to be welcomed during the ceremony.

Engelbrecht said she was nervous getting up in front of everyone but is excited about becoming Catholic. She will become a full member of St. Michael Church in Sioux City through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist during the Easter vigil.

“I have always thought about becoming Catholic,” said Engelbrecht. “I wanted to do it when I was younger but I didn’t have the courage. Getting up in front of the church scared me. Now that I am older, I got the courage.”

She said the RCIA process has been an exciting ride for her. She has enjoyed learning and going to class. Her sponsor is Pat Calhoun.

“It has been everything I expected and more,” said the catechumen. “I am looking forward to becoming part of the church.”

Bishop R. Walker Nickless presided at the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion in the afternoon at St. Mary Church in Storm Lake and in the evening Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City on Feb. 21.

Catechumens, candidates
During this ceremony, the catechumens and candidates, those who have been baptized and now seek full communion with the Catholic Church, bear witness to their commitment to Christ and the Catholic Church.

Nineteen catechumens celebrated a step closer to their baptism and 55 candidates from 14 parishes moved toward full initiation into the Catholic Church during the ceremony held in Storm Lake. In Sioux City, 25 catechumens were elected and 44 candidates were called from 15 parishes.

“All 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,” said Bishop Nickless. “We too must hear the call to conversion and renewal of our baptisms.”

Joining the Catholic Church
During the homily, Bishop Nickless recognized the priests and deacons and acknowledged that they had a long day. He said they were there because the catechumens and candidates “mean so much to them.”

“I want to welcome and congratulate all of you who at Easter will become members of the Roman Catholic Church,” said the bishop. “You will join the largest religious group in the United States. You join the growing number of 68 million Catholics in our country and over a billion Catholics throughout the world.”

The gathering on the first Sunday of Lent, he said, was a time to pray and celebrate God’s call.

“You begin today the final and intense period of preparation for the Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation, Eucharist and for some of you the sacrament of confession,” said Bishop Nickless. “The purification has already begun and will be completed in the next several weeks as you will continue your exciting and enriching knowledge in our Catholic faith.”

Catechists, teachers, sponsors and priest have been leading the catechumens and candidates to a better understanding of Catholicism.

“I know you join me in thanking all those people who have helped you along the way,” said the bishop. “I know you also appreciate the Catholics whose example and encouragement have brought you to this day. Maybe it was a relative, a spouse, a good friend or a priest or deacon who may have said to you, ‘Have you ever thought about being a Catholic?’”

The process of preparation began in early fall. The bishop commented that the whole church has been praying for catechumens and candidates.

Bishop Nickless first spoke to those who are preparing for baptism and acknowledged that they are entering “the most intense period of preparation – a time of purification and enlightenment.”

He pointed out that they would undergo many rites and ceremonies in their own parishes.

“You have already begun to experience the internal call of God to change your life, your desire to become Christians, to accept Jesus as your Lord and savior and your desire to enter fully into the sacramental life of the Catholic Church,” said the bishop. “Before today you were called catechumens. Today you are now to be called the elect. You have become the elect of God - chosen by God for baptism at Easter.”

The candidates have been baptized either as Catholic or another Christian tradition. They have also been called by God to become Catholics. The candidates will receive the sacraments of reconciliation, confirmation and Eucharist.

“We welcome you with open arms and open hearts,” said Bishop Nickless.

He then directed his homily to the Scripture readings. He noted that the readings help explain what Lent, Holy Week and Easter are all about.

“The 40 days of Lent are a gift to us to help us celebrate the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The readings today remind as to why our Lord gave his life for us,” said the bishop.

In the Gospel, Jesus was tempted by the devil, the same devil that tempted Adam and Eve in the garden in the first reading from Genesis.

“The devil tempts Jesus to build himself up with power and prestige,” said Bishop Nickless. “The Lord says, ‘No.’ He doesn’t fall for the deceptions and enticements of the devil. He does that as an example for us. We too can resist the temptations to sin.”

He said that the readings are a reminder that the devil is still present in the world today.

“Resist the temptation of the devil. Be strong. The church is praying for you and God is with you,” said the bishop. “Stay close to the Lord in prayer and he will lead you.”

Rite of Election
Following the homily, Sean Martin, director of religious education and family life for the diocese, called the catechumens forward for the Rite of Election and they took their place in the sanctuary with their godparents.

Bishop Nickless questioned the godparents regarding the catechumens’ readiness for joining the church. The bishop then addressed the catechumens, asking them if they wished to enter fully in the life of the church through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.

The unbaptized signed the Book of the Elect before greeting the bishop. The Book of Elect was then presented to the bishop.

Candidates for full initiation were called forward with their sponsors during the celebration of the Call to Continuing Conversion. The candidates greeted Bishop Nickless before taking their place in the sanctuary.

The sponsors and general assembly gave affirmation of the candidates to the bishop before he asked them 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 dear brothers and sisters, 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. Join with us this Lent in a spirit of repentance. Hear the Lords' call to conversion and be faithful to your baptismal covenant," prayed the bishop.

The ceremony concluded with Bishop Nickless asking for prayers for the elect and candidates as they continue their journey.