Hundreds take vows, joining Catholic church

The rite of election took place last Sunday.
Within the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, 398 men, women and children are preparing to become members of the Catholic church March 26 at Easter vigil.
That day, 164 will receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Communion, while 234 who have already been baptized in other Christian traditions will make a profession of the Catholic faith and receive the sacraments of confirmation and communion.
For many months these individuals have been participating in parishes around the diocese in the rite of Christian initiation of adults, a process through which they become familiar with the teachings of the Catholic church and the way of life. They also learn about and participate in the apostolic mission of the church.
Reflection and sacrifice
Last Sunday afternoonthe first Sunday of Lent -- the Christian observance of 40 days of spiritual reflection and sacrifice leading up to Palm Sunday and Easter -- they celebrated the rite of election at either St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown or at St. Joseph Church in Canton. During those rites, they were presented to either Bishop Thomas J. Tobin at St. Columba Cathedral or Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, vicar general, at St. Joseph Church.
During that rite, godparents, sponsors and members of the assembly are asked to attest to the readiness of those men, women and children for the sacraments.
The candidates now are continuing their final preparation for Easter in parishes around the diocese.
For more information, contact Fran Amer, office of worship, at (330) 744-8451 ext. 282.