The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, bishop of the Youngstown Diocese, stressed on February 26, 2023, in his Rite of Election homily that the significance of the “encounter” with Jesus Christ and His Church, as well growth in the faith, are pivotal in the journey toward full, adult membership in the Catholic Church.
About 400 people from all parts of the six-county diocese attended the Mass on a clear day at St. Columba Cathedral. Of those, 142 men, women and children from 43 parishes—56 catechumens and 86 candidates—were presented to the bishop as they prepare to become members of the Catholic Church.
For many months, the catechumens and candidates have been participating 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.
The 56 known as “catechumens” are those preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. During the Rite of Election they were presented to the bishop and recognized as members of the “Elect” during their final period of preparation during Lent. The godparents and members of the assembly attested to their readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation.
The 86 already baptized in the Christian faith and seeking entrance into the Catholic Church—known as “candidates”—were also presented to Bishop Bonnar at this liturgy as they prepare for full communion in the Catholic Church and the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
In his homily, the bishop began by pointing to the significance of the location for the Rite of Election— St. Columba Cathedral—which he called “the mother church of the Diocese of Youngstown.” He said the space was “special” in that ordinations of the diaconate, priesthood and episcopacy take place there, as did his own ordination as bishop and “successor to the Apostles.”
He explained, “One could say that the cathedral is, for many, a gateway to new life in Christ.”
During the Rite of Election, Bishop Bonnar said, “I hope you will come to appreciate that you are never alone, for Jesus walks with you, and we, as members of His ‘body’ walk with each other.” He went on to say, “As we journey together, we must never stop praying the words of Jesus, ‘That all may be one’.”
The bishop quoted Pope Francis, saying, “I wish all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus and His Church, or at least an openness in letting His encounter them. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk.”
The bishop explained, “Your presence here today, in the context of encounter, reminds us that Jesus Christ is not an idea, but a person, who desires to be in a relationship with us to give us all we need to live in this world and to be ready for the world to come.”
Besides “encounter,” Bishop Bonnar stressed that “growth” in faith is key. “You seek to grow in your faith and in your relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. A former colleague of mine used to say to the eight-grade confirmation students, ‘You cannot life an adult life on eight-grade faith.’”
He explained further, “You know that you cannot live without continuously seeking to grow in the faith … He added, “Your actions today inspire the rest of us fully initiated in the faith to keep growing in our faith. … Thank you for responding to the encounter, and thank you for committing to growth.”
However, the bishop warned, “The Christian way is not always easy. There will be struggles and even temptations … It’s a paradox, but the closer we aspire to follow Jesus, the harder the devil works to derail us from our path. Of course, this path of following Jesus always involves the cross; if we aspire to be truly Christian, we must accept and expect the cross. And if we are trying to be people of love, that means from time to time we carry not just our own cross, but that of others as well. But we do this out of hope and promise that is ours.”
At the conclusion of the Rite of Election, Bishop Bonnar met individually with the catechumens and candidates.
Among those in attendance was Fr. Connor Hetzel, parochial vicar of St. Michael the Archangel, Canton, who explained that he had been spending considerable time with his catechumens and candidates. “To see them in next step in their journey is exciting,” he said with a smile.
Sisters Naomi and Nora Horavath were among the participants. Naomi, a student at Ursuline High School who is about to be enter into full communion in the Catholic Church, said she “is excited to be able to participate in the Church,” and Nora, who will be baptized, agreed. Their godfather, Jeremy Hodge of Hubbard, said he is pleased about the girls’ “future in the Church.”
Another candidate, Jonathan Harmon, a Columbiana Middle School student who attends St. Jude Church, reported at the conclusion of the Rite that he felt “enlightened.” He stated, “I learned a lot today and during the past month,” as his sister, Margaret, 9, looked on with pride. The formal name for the Lenten season for those preparing to enter the Church is in fact called the “Period of Purification and Enlightenment.”
Deacons for the event were Paul Lisko of St. Charles Borromeo, Boardman, and Michael Puhalla of St. Columba Cathedral Parish and St. Edward Parish. Master of Ceremony was the Very Rev. Michael Balash, vicar for clergy and director of the Office of Worship. Barbara Walko, director of Faith Formation and Lay Ecclesial Ministry, presented the catechumens and candidates.
Lectors were Bob Barto (Holy Trinity Parish, East Liverpool), Eileen Edwards (Immaculate Conception Parish, Ravenna) and Paulina Montaldo (St. Dominic Parish, Youngstown).
The St. Columba Choir and the Diocesan Choir performed under the director of music for St. Columba Cathedral, Ralph Holtzhauser. The cantor was Barbara Zorn.
For more information on the Rite of Election, read the press release.
