Elect and Candidates are cause for rejoicing, Bishop Wester says

Intermountain Catholic

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During the Rite of Election, catechumens from Saint Joseph Parish prepare to sign the Book of the Elect, while Deacon Jack Clark of Saint Mary Parish waits to present his parish's book for Bishop Wester's signature. IC photo/Marie Mischel

SALT LAKE CITY — The Diocese of Salt Lake City held three celebrations of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and of the Call to Continuing Conversion of Baptized Candidates this year to accommodate the 199 catechumens and 114 candidates from parishes throughout the diocese who participated in the rites.

All of the celebrations were held at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. Two were on March 8; the other on March 15.

During Lent, three themes are particularly important for the elect and the candidates as they prepare to celebrate their baptism and/or confirmation in the Catholic Church, said the Most Rev. John C. Wester, Bishop of Salt Lake City, who presided at each rite.

A personal relationship with Christ "is at the heart of what we’re celebrating," the bishop said. "Each of you here today, the catechumens and the elect, are called by name. Thanks be to God you have heard the call, you responded to the call and you continue to listen intently with your ears but also with your heart."

Although God calls each individual to a personal relationship with him, "it doesn’t stop there," Bishop Wester said. "Religion is not a private affair."

All of the Church’s sacraments are celebrated publicly, he pointed out, particularly the Eucharist, which celebrates the Communion of Saints. The invitation of Christ grows and it is nourished in community, he said.

Thirdly, each person within the community is called for a mission, Bishop Wester said. This is evident at the end of each Mass; each of the four dismissals for the congregation begins with "Go."

"We have been sent forth by Christ. He calls us by name, he nourishes us through the community and the sacraments, and then he sends us forth to live the faith," Bishop Wester said. "How do we do that? Well, we do that mainly by loving each other as God has loved us."

All people are called to turn away from sin and evil and follow Jesus Christ, the bishop said.

"My dear people, I just want to say what a great moment this is in the local Church as you renew your commitment and your relationship to Jesus, as you rejoice that you are part of the community and as you commit yourself to the mission of Christ to be a loving presence in the world. These are reasons for great rejoicing and giving thanks to God. We give thanks to you and for your election."