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Rite of Election and Call to Conversion

Rite of Election and Call to Conversion

This weekend marks the beginning of a new phase for those participating in RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. In other words, RCIA is a course for those who wish to become Catholic. To clear up any confusion especially for outsiders, we call it the Becoming Catholic class here at Midtown Catholic. This Sunday, March 6th, those preparing to be baptized and fully enter into the life of the Catholic Church will participate in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion.

During the Rite of Election, catechumens (those who have not been baptized in any Christian faith tradition) publicly express to the local bishop their desire for baptism. Their names are recorded in the Book of the Elect, a designation which reflects that the bishop, in the name of the Lord and the local Church, is choosing or electing them to share in the Easter sacraments. Candidates (those who were baptized in another Christian faith tradition) celebrate the Call to Continuing Conversion, publicly professing their faith and their desire to come into full communion with the Catholic Church.

How can you support these candidates? The days of Lent are the final period of purification and enlightenment for catechumens and candidates, marked by prayer and study. The most important thing we can do for them is pray for them by name regularly.

Samantha Wostoupal was recently married to Jake at St. Joan of Arc. They live in the Westgate neighborhood. She is a 2ndgrade schoolteacher. She will receive Confirmation and First Communion.

Tina Morrow is a parent of a St. Thomas More student. She has been baptized and has been active in several bible studies at other churches around Omaha, but has always been drawn to the Catholic faith. She will receive Confirmation and First Communion.

Patricia & Drake Kubat are married. They live in the St. Thomas More neighborhood, but their kids attend St. Joan of Arc School. Both were baptized Catholic when they were younger, but they never received any of the other sacraments or instruction. They will receive Confirmation and First Communion.

Alisson Granados is in 6th grade at St. Thomas More School. She will receive Confirmation and First Communion.

Vanessa Bejar Williams is 15 years old and goes to Ralston High School. She will receive Confirmation and First Communion.

Nancy He is from Omaha and is currently a medical student at Creighton. She is engaged to Michael Kartiko who is also a medical student at Creighton. They will be married this summer in Long Beach, CA and begin Residency together somewhere, but they are not sure where yet. She will be baptized, confirmed, and will receive First Communion on Easter Vigil.

Jazleen Vasquez is in 7th grade at St. Joan of Arc School. She will be baptized, confirmed, and will receive First Communion on Easter Vigil.

Let us pray for all of these candidates,
Fr. Jeff Lorig