'Responding To The Longing For God'
On the kind of sun-drenched Sunday afternoon that invites daydreams of spring, catechumens and candidates from the diocese entered a new season in their relationship with the Church, officially becoming the Elect.
During the annual Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, Feb. 17 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, these catechumens and candidates came before Bishop Charles C. Thompson to confirm their desire to become practicing members of the Catholic Church.
During the ceremony, Bishop Thompson reminded all in attendance that the Rite of Election is important for all Catholics, not just for the Elect.
“It’s a journey for all of us to allow the Lord to continue to work in our lives, to lead us on this life-long process of conversion, preparing ourselves for Easter and preparing ourselves always for the fullness of God’s kingdom,” he said.
And to the catechumens and candidates, the Bishop had the following message: “For all of those who are being received this afternoon through the election, those catechumens and candidates, we welcome you and thank you for your great witness of faith.”
Catechumens are individuals who have never been initiated into any church community and who are now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church. At the Easter Vigil for their parish, they will be baptized and confirmed. They will also receive the Eucharist.
Candidates are those who have been previously baptized in another Christian faith. Some will be confirmed during the Easter Vigil, and all will be able to receive Communion.
During the Rite of Election, Director of Catechesis Kathy Gallo presented the catechumens and candidates to Bishop Thompson. Each catechumen and candidate was then called up to the front of the cathedral by a representative of his or her parish.
Prior to receiving the catechumens and candidates, Bishop Thompson noted that they were “looking to respond to the longing for God found deep in their own hearts.”
“May our prayers to Almighty God today and throughout Lent help bring the good work that he has begun in them to fulfillment,” the Bishop said.
The following is a complete list of catechumens and candidates in the Diocese of Evansville.
