Bishop welcomes catechumens

BLACKWOOD – For Amy Li Handon, the Rite of Election was a joyful opportunity to meet some of her soon-to-be sisters and brothers.

The Merchantville resident decided last summer that she “wanted to be a part of the [greater Catholic] family” after attending Masses at Saint Peter Catholic Church with her husband and sponsor, Tom, and their children, Kailee and Liam.

In the fall, as Handon began RCIA classes, her children began studies at Saint Peter School. “The family that prays together, stays together,” Tom said, reflecting on how the recent Catholic immersion experience “has been a positive one for the whole family.”

Amy Li knows exactly who to credit for all of these good things. “The Holy Spirit,” she said with a smile.

Handon was one of 105 catechumens from 31 parishes across the Diocese to attend the Rite of Election hosted March 6 by Our Lady of Hope Parish at Saint Agnes Church. There, the catechumens – those who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation) at the Easter Vigil – were welcomed by Bishop Dennis Sullivan.

The Rite of Election is part of the Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the process taken by individuals who want to become Christians in the Catholic tradition.

With their sponsors, godparents, catechists, parish priests and family as witnesses, the catechumens affirmed that they were ready “to enter fully into the life of the Church … sufficiently prepared to be enrolled among the elect for the coming celebration of the Easter sacraments,” having “faithfully listened to God’s word proclaimed by the Church, [and] responded to that word and begun to walk in God’s presence.”

“In Jesus’ name, I choose you, I elect you, for Him,” Bishop Sullivan responded.

The catechumens, led by their catechists, then met Bishop Sullivan before the sanctuary to receive his blessing and present him with their parish’s Book of the Elect, signed by the catechumens to mark their commitment to be Christ’s disciples.

“Now it is your duty, as it is [the congregation’s], both to be faithful … and strive courageously to reach the fullness of truth,” Bishop Sullivan declared to the gathered, reminding them, “Christ will be your way, your truth and your life. Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you.”

Catechumen Journeys

For 78-year-old Joanne Morris, her journey began after she began a friendship with Keith Werner, 80, both recently widowed. “I began going to Mass with Keith at Christ the Redeemer [in Atco], and liked what I saw,” she said.

Werner said Morris, a recent Presbyterian, “was amazed at how much Scripture we had at the Mass. “That’s how [her interest in the Church] started.”

A lover of history and, now, Catholicism, Morris says she has already filled five notebooks with what she has learned through this entire formation process.

“I’m fascinated by it all; it’s exciting,” she said.

Georgianna Trischitti, 19, from Vineland’s Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, shared a similar enthusiasm. “Going to Mass with my grandmother [at Sacred Heart Church], I felt a calling, a sense of belonging. I’ve learned a lot about the faith and its teachings. I’m really excited [for] the sacraments. I can’t wait to continue on, see where it takes me in the future.”

Also looking to the future, Bishop Sullivan offered some advice to the catechumens when it comes to the Easter Vigil. “Pray that the fire, the burning love of Jesus Christ … burns in you. Keep that flame burning bright in your lives. I pray that these 40 days bring each of you to new birth in Jesus Christ and full membership in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.”