Rite of Election calls forth followers
Published Feb 15, 2008
JOLIET—The season of Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, but it is also the final days of preparation for catechumens—people set to be baptized, receive the Eucharist and be confirmed at the upcoming Easter vigil. Bishop J. Peter Sartain wore purple vestments Feb. 10 as he walked into the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet and greeted close to 150 catechumens during the Rite of Election.
The annual ceremony marks the start of the more intensive preparation period for future Catholics leading to the reception of the sacraments of initiation, explained Benedictine Sister Sharon Marie Stola, director of the Catechumenate for the Joliet Diocese, before the service.
During the Rite of Election, Father Christopher Groh, diocesan consultant for the Catechumenate and pastor of St. Mary Nativity and Holy Cross parishes in Joliet, formally presented the catechumens to Bishop Sartain. Following the ceremonial presentation, the bishop asked those present in the assembly to affirm the catechumens. He then turned his attention toward the future Catholics, advising them of their acceptance to continue their conversion journey toward reception of the sacraments and asking them to publicly declare their own intention to be fully initiated into the church.
Following the affirmation of the catechumens, parish representatives called the name of each of them. The bishop offered an individual sign of peace to each catechumen, before they assembled on the altar. Bishop Sartain, said, “I now declare you to be members of the elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil.”
The catechumens and assembly responded, “Thanks be to God.” And like the water flows from the baptismal font, the catechumens of all ages poured off the altar steps and into the pews.
Earlier in the ceremony, Bishop Sartain addressed the congregation of catechumens, friends and family. He pointed out that the catechumens are transitioning from admirers to followers of Jesus when they receive the sacraments. He reassured that God would assist those with concerns, “As we strive with all our strength to be his devout followers, and not just his admirers, he gives us what we need.”
One person in the crowd that said he is looking forward to that transition was perhaps the oldest catechumen in the congregation. George Josefek, a catechumen from St. John the Apostle Parish in Villa Park, told the Catholic Explorer that he finally made the decision at 86 years of age, “I’m ready for it.”
His discernment process and curiosity about the faith not only changed his life, but also enriched the faith of his godmother, Sharon Meltzer. She acknowledged, “I needed to be an example to him. I needed to model why it’s important to be Catholics. I needed to show how it is a source of support and strength during crisis.”
Another godmother in the crowd told the Explorer that the experience of mentoring an adult in the process of becoming Catholic was one of the best honors of her life. Vicky Stasulas asked Joyce Pecora of St. Anthony Parish in Frankfort to take on the role around Christmastime. Stasulas said, “She gave me the best Christmas gift.”
Stasulas said she was grateful for Pecora’s support, but she credited her husband Ron with introducing her to the Catholic Church. Stasulas said she was inspired by her husband’s “commitment.” They married each other 31 years ago and faithfully attended church together. “Finally, I decided I was going to do it,” she said. The started the process in September and Ron died in December. His death solidified her decision to officially become Catholic, she said.
Todd Whitmer regrets that he didn’t make the commitment of becoming Catholic 13 years ago when he married his wife, Lisa. The catechumen said, “I wish I would’ve.” He acknowledged that becoming the father of three children and learning about the Catholic faith as they matured was influential in his decision. He said he was especially excited to be receiving his first Communion within months of his 7-year-old daughter receiving the sacrament.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process has been good for Lisa as well. She said his preparation for the sacraments has increased her awareness of her own faith. It clarified some teachings, such as the Immaculate Conception. The lifelong Catholic said she was under the impression that the Immaculate Conception was when Jesus was conceived, but rather it was in reference to Mary’s beginnings. She said, “I’ve been Catholic all my life and I didn’t know that.”
Simple curiosity led 10-year-old Sabrina Williamson to the Catholic Church. The catechumen from Resurrection Parish in Wayne said her inquisitiveness about the faith began when her Catholic friends started discussing their first Communion plans. She said, “I was interested in knowing what the Catholic Church is about.” So she turned to her Catholic grandmother, Lori Vandermeir-Nelson. This Easter, the curious girl plans to receive the sacraments alongside her older sister, Brittany.
