They came from all corners of the Diocese, including a young man from Reading, a school boy from Allentown, and a college student from Easton.
Their journeys of preparation began in their local parishes last September and will culminate on the Saturday night before Easter when they become the newest Catholics in the Diocese of Allentown—marking the beginning of their new life in the faith.
But first, all of them came together with their sponsors and Bishop Alfred Schlert at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown on the first Saturday of Lent. It’s a major step in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A.) called the Rite of Election.
Dominic Wallington of Easton was there. He became interested in the faith by spending time with Catholic friends at Lafayette College, Easton. Mateo Villasenor of Reading was there too, with his sponsors Karina and Jose Ramirez, after being inspired by a very warm welcome he received at St. Margaret, Reading. Paul Laubner of Allentown was also present – raised without religion and sent to Catholic elementary school, where he realized he was missing something in his life.
“As you embark on this final phase of your journey,” said Bishop Schlert, speaking alternatively in English and Spanish, “may your hearts be open to the salvation and hope that Jesus offers you through the Church.
“Know the love that the Catholic community has for you. Be assured of my prayers for you in these coming days, especially in this Jubilee Year of Hope.”
A total of 117 people decided this year to become Catholics – the largest group of “catechumens” in many years. When they gathered with their sponsors, family and friends, members of the community, and priests and deacons of the Diocese, the Cathedral was full.
As their names were read aloud, they stood proudly with their fellow aspiring Catholics, including those from parishes in Roseto and Hellertown and Kutztown and Bally and Mohnton and Summit Hill and Coopersburg and Orefield and Nazareth.
“Do you wish to enter fully into the life of the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist?” the Bishop asked them, receiving a resounding “yes” for an answer.
Then, as the Diocesan Choir sang a beautiful rendition of “O Bendito, Jesús,” they came forward individually with their sponsors to write their names in the Book of the Elect.
They were young and old, from other religions and from no religious background, from all stations in life, with many backgrounds and life stories, all sharing the desire to make a lifelong commitment to Catholicism.
“Really, the whole Church is here present today,” said Bishop Schlert. “The whole mosaic of our Diocese is present – every culture, every language in our Diocese is represented. God’s call to join the Catholic Church is universal.”
After spending the rest of Lent in reflection and prayer, the Catechumens, now called the Elect, will become Catholics on Saturday, April 19, at the Easter Vigil, when they will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist.
By Paul Wirth.
Photo by Norm Steinruck.
