These individuals, their godparents, and family members gathered at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on March 9, 2025, for the Rite of Election. This ceremony included the formal recognition and acknowledgement of each catechumen by name. 

The Rite of Election signifies a pivotal step for catechumens as they prepare for the sacraments of initiation. At the event, parishes present each candidate to Bishop Parkes, and at its conclusion, receive the name “elect”.

“You who become the elect today are certainly a source of hope for this local church in answering the Lord's call to follow Him. You are a sign that the church is vibrant and is growing,” shared Bishop Gregory Parkes in his homily. “As the church elects these individuals, we recognize that this choice is ultimately God's, who has called each of them, who has called each of you by name.”

Alex Sutherland from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’Lakes is one of those preparing to become Catholic. He is excited to fully enter the Church as well as how that will impact his relationship with his wife and family.

“What excites me the most about entering is getting into full grace with God and His Church. I have been married for 5 years, and I am looking forward to convalidating it with my wife who is Catholic,” he shared. “My family is non-denominational, but my in-laws are Catholic, and they are over the moon – not only for my conversion but the fact that my desire for God will also bring their daughter closer to Him.”

Sutherland first became interested in the Catholic Church after watching videos on YouTube.  The videos explained things about the faith that he had never heard in his non-denominational upbringing. His curiosity and hunger for knowledge sent him deeper into Church history where he was able to learn even more. As he considered seeking entrance into the Church, it was his wife who gave him the extra push.

“My wonderful wife, after I talked about converting, told me ‘Why wait?’,” Sutherland shared. “To this day I think about that phrase, and it helps me in my struggles and temptations to think ‘why wait for later when I could give my all for God now?’ We cannot wait until it’s too late.”

Sutherland excitedly awaits the day he can finally receive the Eucharist and is eagerly anticipating the ability to experience that love for himself.

“I truly believe that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ,” said Sutherland. “The love others have for it makes me jealous and I can’t wait to truly experience the love of Christ.”

In his homily, Bishop Parkes emphasized that while this was a time to recognize the new elect, it is also a time to celebrate God’s continued call for all people in the Church to deepen their relationship with Him. He also acknowledged that the Rite of Election is truly an opportunity to witness the faith and trust of those who approach the Lord with a desire to enter his Church as well as provided words of encouragement.

“This is a day of profound joy and reflection, not only for those who stand before us, but for the entire faith community,” he said. “Our catechumens have embarked on their own journeys of faith, confronting challenges and seeking a deeper understanding of God's will in their lives, their presence here today is a testament to their commitment and openness to God's transformative grace. Remember, God’s grace is abundant, and he accompanies you every step of the way.”

To learn more about becoming Catholic, visit https://www.dosp.org/worship/christian-initiation.

To view photos from the Rite of Election, click on the arrows below.