A total of 142 men, women and children from 43 diocesan parishes are preparing to become full members of the Catholic Church at Easter.Â
Fifty-six will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil on April 8, while 86 who have already been baptized in other Christian traditions will make a profession of faith and receive Confirmation and Eucharist, reported Father Michael Balash, director of the Diocesan Office of Worship.
For many months these individuals have been participating at parishes in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), a process through which they become familiar with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Catholic way of life. They also learn about and participate in the apostolic mission of the Church, Father Balash said.
On the First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 26, those preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, known as catechumens, will celebrate the Rite of Election at 2 p.m. in St. Columba Cathedral.
During this ceremony, they will be presented to Bishop David Bonnar, and their godparent/sponsor and members of the assembly will be asked to attest to their readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation. Those already baptized, known as candidates, will also be presented to Bishop Bonnar at this ceremony.
The catechumens and candidates will continue their final preparation for Easter in their parishes throughout the diocese. Along with all Catholics, they will observe the weeks of Lent as a time of spiritual recollection in anticipation of the great feast of Easter, Father Balash explained.
Information: Father Balash, Office of Worship, 330-744-8451, Ext. 282
