People becoming Catholic to mark Rite of Election

YOUNGSTOWN — Within the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, there are 388 men, women and children are preparing to become members of the Catholic Church at Easter.

At the Easter vigil March 22, 120 people will receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter vigil. And 268 people who have already been baptized in other Christian traditions will make a profession of the Catholic faith and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

For many months, these people 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 Catholic way of life. They also learn about and participate in the apostolic mission of the Church.

This weekend, the first Sunday during Lent, these people will celebrate the Rite of Election at 2 p.m. at St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown, or at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, Canton.

During these rites, they will be presented to Bishop George V. Murry of the Diocese of Youngstown. During the Rite of Election, godparents, sponsors and members of the assembly are asked to attest to the readiness of these men, women and children for the Sacraments of Initiation. The candidates will then continue their final preparation for Easter in parishes around the diocese. Along with all Catholics, they will observe the weeks of Lent as a time of spiritual recollection in anticipation of the great feast of Easter.

For more information contact Fran Amer, Office of Worship at (330) 744-8451, ext. 282.