Rite of Election — a continuation of God’s love for his people

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Thirty-four parishes gathered across two separate ceremonies to celebrate the annual Rite of Election, March 9, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington. Celebrated by Bishop John Iffert, the Rite of Election marks the moment catechumens and candidates are presented to the bishop. Candidates, baptized Christians seeking to enter into full communion with the faith, are presented to the bishop for approval.

“Candidates for full communion with the Catholic Church, those of you who have already received the grace of baptism and are already one with Catholics in faith in Jesus, we recall that you too, along with all of us are beloved and chosen by God. Now that baptismal gift and the graces you received in that holy sacrament led you to seek to continue your Christian journey in the Catholic Church,” said Bishop Iffert during his remarks.

Catechumens, unbaptized people seeking to enter the Church, are presented to the bishop for their election to participate in the sacraments of initiation at Easter Vigil. Through this process of election, catechumens are registered as “the elect.”

“For those of you who are preparing for baptism,” said Bishop Iffert, “you are gathered here today to receive a new designation, a new name, a new way to be called. You will be recognized, those of you who, until now, have been called catechumens, you will be called ‘the elect.’”

The change in name is rooted in ancient Scripture said Bishop Iffert. Saul became Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles; Abram became Abraham, the father of nations; and Simon became Peter, the rock on which Jesus built his Church. The changing of names in Scripture indicates the acceptance of a new vocation.

Bishop Iffert said, “election, to be chosen, is an act of gratuitous, unmerited love on Gods part. However, to be chosen also implies a vocation a response to a calling. A responsibility to be chosen and received.”

One by one, the catechumens and their godparents shook Bishop Iffert’s hand and shared a brief conversation before Bishop Iffert turned to sign the parishes Book of Elect, which holds the names of those seeking to be elected. Once the book is signed, the catechumens are now the elect, having been granted permission to seek the sacraments of initiation. There were 29 parishes with catechumens for a total of 130 catechumens, marking a 21.5 percent increase from the year prior.

The candidates stood to be recognized by Bishop Iffert where he asked the candidates sponsors to confirm that their candidate has been diligent in their preparation of first Eucharist and confirmation. Bishop Iffert then greeted each candidate and sponsor, of which there were 111 from 27 different parishes, an increase of nearly 3 percent from the prior year.

As the newly elect and candidates enter this Lenten season, for them, a period of purification, they are showered in the love and support of their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Bishop Iffert said, “We have entered into this desert season of Lent. For you who are making a journey to the sacraments we call it the period of purification and enlightenment. Your call by God is an act of gratuitous love and your election, by me, in the name of the Church, is an act of our brotherly and sisterly love. It is a continuation of the way God has loved you all along.”