Catechumens/candidates express their intent to become Catholics

by JoAnn Borchert

Ten catechumens and fifty-three candidates gathered with Bishop John C. Nienstedt and their sponsors, godparents, mentors, and friends to celebrate the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on Sunday, March 9. This annual ritual, with the Bishop presiding, is observed at the beginning of Lent and is celebrated with those who will be baptized and those who desire to come into full communion into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.

Following weeks of preparation in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), catechumens and candidates come forward during the celebration to express their public intention to become a member of the Catholic Church. Catechumens, those to be initiated into the Church in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, sign the book of Elect. Candidates who will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist for full Communion in the Catholic Church are presented to the Bishop also.

The testimony of godparents and catechists reaffirms this readiness of the catechumens’ and candidates’ intention to be members of the Catholic Church. One of the presenters said that working with people in the RCIA process "touches my heart, my inner being was overwhelmed by the candidate I met with." She also commented that everyone involved is a gift to the other. The candidates are gifts to the team who directs the RCIA.

Parishes represented were: the Catholic area parishes of Benson, Clontarf, Danvers, DeGraff, and Murdock; St. Mary of Cottonwood; St. John of Darwin; St. Eloi of Ghent; St. Anastasia of Hutchinson; St. Patrick of Kandiyohi; St. Thomas of Lake Lillian; St. Philip of Litchfield; Holy Redeemer of Marshall; St. Edward of Minneota; Cathedral and St. Mary of New Ulm; St. Catherine of Redwood Falls; Holy Redeemer of Renville; St. John of Searles; St. Mary of Sleepy Eye; St. Raphael of Springfield; St. Peter of St. Peter; St. Mary of Tracy; St. Paul of Walnut Grove; and St. Anthony of Watkins.