This celebration recognizes individuals who have not yet been baptized and who will be welcomed into the Church at the Easter Vigil through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. This Easter, 746 adults and children representing 68 of our 80 parishes and missions, will be welcomed into the Church in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. This has increased from last year’s number of 531, creating the need for two consecutive Rites of Election on Sunday to accommodate the number of catechumens, sponsors, OCIA directors, and pastors.

At the Rite of Election, each catechumen is introduced by name to the bishop as those who wish to become Catholic during the Enrollment of Names. These names are received by him, he acknowledges them, and he is provided with verbal affirmation from the godparents and catechumens that they are working to be formed in the faith and desire to join the Catholic Church.

“To the godparents, catechists, and parish representatives present here today, your role is indispensable,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes in his homily as he addressed those who accompanied the catechumens. “You bear joyful witness to the formation of these catechumens, and now testify before me, the bishop, and before God that they are ready to proceed. Continue to support them through your example, your prayer and your own fidelity to the faith that you profess. The Church depends upon your witness to form new disciples who will Courageously Live the Gospel in the world.”

For the catechumens, the Rite of Election marks the moment when they publicly express their commitment to the Catholic faith for the first time after many months striving to follow the Lord’s call.

“This celebration expresses something central to our understanding of salvation: God is the one who calls us. He is the initiator of grace,” said Bishop Parkes. “You, our catechumens, have responded to that divine call with openness and with perseverance, and now the Church as a mother and a teacher formally recognizes the work of God in your hearts. What was once a personal search for truth now becomes a public commitment, embraced and witnessed by this entire community of faith.”

The Rite of Election includes the Liturgy of the Word, during which a portion of the Sunday Scripture readings are read. The Gospel, read by Deacon Rafael Ferreris from Sacred Heart Parish in Tampa and Deacon Joe Zucchero from St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Clearwater at the two Rites of Election, focused on Jesus’ time led by the Holy Spirit into the desert where He was tempted by Satan. Bishop Parkes called this to mind in his homily as he encouraged the catechumens to trust in the Lord’s presence on their journey through Lent as well as their journey to entering the Church at Easter.

“The same Spirit who led Christ into the desert now accompanies you on this journey, trust in the Holy Spirit's power to sustain you,” said Bishop Parkes. “The Church embraces you with her love and prayer, awaiting the joy of your rebirth at Easter.”

Following the Enrollment of Names, the catechumens processed to Bishop Parkes, who greeted each of them with a smile and a handshake. Many expressed overwhelming joy and fought back tears, recognizing this as a significant step on their journey to becoming Catholic. Bishop Parkes addressed the catechumens and confirmed that they were chosen for initiation into the Catholic Church and they are now considered “elect.”

In the months leading up to Easter, the elect continue to pray, study, and grow closer to the Lord – a fitting process to take place during the penitential season of Lent.

“For you, the elect, this season is a time of purification and a time of enlightenment – words rich with meaning in our tradition,” said Bishop Parkes. “Purification speaks of the interior conversion of heart and enlightenment speaks of the deepening awareness of God's presence and His truth, which prepares you to receive His grace in the sacraments. The Church asks you now to devote yourselves fully to prayer, study, and self-examination.”

In addition to the impact the Rite of Election has on the elect, it is a remarkable witness to all Catholics reminding them that the Church continues to grow and that the Lord continues to call His people.

“May this right of election deepen in all of us the awareness that God still chooses, still calls, and still leads His people towards the promise of a new life in Christ our Savior,” Bishop Parkes said as he concluded his homily.

Please join us in continuing to pray for all of the elect and candidates (those who are baptized but will receive their remaining Sacraments of Initiation) who will be welcomed into the Catholic Church this Easter.

For more information about becoming Catholic, click here.

For more information about the Office of Liturgical and Sacramental Formation, click here.

The Office of Liturgical and Sacramental Formation is funded by the Catholic Ministry Appeal. For more information about the Catholic Ministry Appeal, click here.