Door opens to 40 catechumens at Rite of Election
“For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Matthew 7:8
GARY – The door opened for 40 catechumens who knocked on March 6 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels as Bishop Robert J. McClory conducted the Rite of Election, welcoming those on the journey to baptism by declaring them as “the elect.”
“Jesus reveals himself today as God, in the Gospel (John 12:44-50) … and it changes everything, gives us hope, brings us into a relationship with his Father, (makes) a connection to God the Father,” said Bishop McClory in his homily.
“You are a sign of hope to us,” he told the catechumens, “and we thank those who brought you to this point.”
The bishop also challenged the elect to be prepared to share their story of faith with others: “The Lord calls all of us to be a path to others. You should be prepared to give an explanation of why you chose (the Catholic faith).”
Whatever path, he noted, “Coming to this moment, reflecting on it, (you said) I believe in God, I’m not perfect, but I know the love of God is there for me … and I want to have a relationship with God and his Catholic Church.
“I hope all of you will be inspired to share (your story) with someone,” added the bishop. “This is the beginning of a great adventure, of being disciples for Jesus.”
The Rite of Election is a milestone in a months-long process of catechetical instruction, prayer and spiritual practice for unbaptized adults committed to becoming Catholics. The rite, ordinarily held on the first Sunday of Lent, is the third of four rituals observed as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
After completing the Rite of Election the catechumens are called "the elect” while undertaking, throughout the remainder of Lent, a period of purification and enlightenment, the final preparation for the reception at the Easter Vigil Mass of the sacraments of initiation – baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion.
Anthony Sharp, who will be baptized at St. Mary in Crown Point, admits his journey to the Catholic faith has been a long one. He explored a number of Eastern religions and other faiths before he decided, “that the Catholic Church is best-equipped to bring me closer to God. It has a solid infrastructure and is academically focused.
“They are not afraid to answer tough questions,” he said of his spiritual advisers. “I have found spiritual stability and something that is real.”
Father Kevin Huber, Diocese of Gary chancellor and pastor at St. Mary in Crown Point, had the honor of formally presenting the catechumens to the bishop. “I was happy to do it for the elect, who are now entering into the final period of enlightenment before baptism,” he said.
Hobart resident Sarah Becker was introduced to the Catholic faith by her boyfriend James Winter and they are now planning a wedding at Holy Martyrs in Merrillville after her baptism. “My RCIA instruction has all made sense to me; I feel (Catholicism) is calling me,” she said. “We talk about love, kindness and charity.
“I’ve been moved by the beauty of the religion, which is not greedy or selfish,” Becker added. “I connect to the gospels; they give me answers.”
Becker’s godparent, Lisa Wrobel of St. Helen in Hebron, said she has also benefited from RCIA sessions. “I’ve grown stronger in my faith,” Wrobel said. “In caring for my father, I’ve seen what having faith can do for a person, and I hope Sarah finds that peace with the Catholic Church and with James.”
Mya Alvarez is a soft-spoken youth from St. John Bosco in Hammond who looks forward to joining her parents as a baptized Catholic, “so I can be part of God’s family. I love how people are open and friendly, and do little things to help people.”
Her godparent, family friend Oscar Serrato of St. Florian in Chicago, was impressed with the beauty of the Gary cathedral on his first visit and appreciates the RCIA lessons in the “values of the Catholic Church and helping others. Do unto others as you would like to be treated – the Catholic Church teaches you that,” he said.
Three families from St. John the Evangelist in St. John celebrated the elect at a dessert reception. Mark Teibel is anxious to join his wife, Marley Teibel, as a baptized Catholic, and her cousin’s husband Drew Lambert, who was himself baptized six years ago, is his godparent. “It just made sense to pick him,” said Teibel. “If he could do it, so can I. My wife and I are raising our children Catholic and now I will be fully a part of that.
“It’s nice to learn the history of the Church and the sacraments and how they came about,” Teibel added.
Meanwhile, Marley Teibel also participated in the Rite of Election as godparent for her best friend, Ashley Bajorek of Dyer. “It’s nice to go to classes together,” said Bajorek, who is also raising her children Catholic with husband Michael Bajorek, a Catholic since birth.
The couple are looking forward to sending their three daughters to parochial school, “and when they start asking questions about their faith, I’m really happy we’ll be sharing (the experience),” said Michael Bajorek.
“The Church rejoices anytime discipleship spreads,” said Father Jeff Burton, pastor at St. John Bosco. “It’s wonderful for a parish community to see life.”