269 people preparing to become Catholic

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Within the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, there are 269 men, women and children preparing to become members of the Catholic Church at Easter.

At the Easter vigil April 4, 103 people will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and 166 people, who already have 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 throughout 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 1:30 p.m. or St. Joseph Church in Canton at 6 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 throughout 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 Rev. Michael D. Balash, Office of Worship, 330-744-8451, ext. 282.