Catholic diocese will accept 425 new members at Easter

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Within the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, 425 men, women and children are preparing to become members of the Catholic Church at Easter. At the Easter vigil on April 3, 172 people will receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. And 253 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.

On the first Sunday of Lent, this weekend, they will celebrate the Rite of Election at either St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown, at 2:00 p.m. or St. Joseph Church in Canton, at 6:00 p.m. During these rites, they will be presented to Bishop George V. Murry.

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, (330) 744-8451, ext. 282.