RALEIGH, N.C. — In the Church, the first Sunday of Lent is the day most bishops call or “elect” Catechumens seeking baptism at the Easter Vigil. It’s called the Rite of Election. It happens in dioceses all over the world and Feb. 22 it happened at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral.
Sponsors, families and godparents gathered with those seeking sacraments. They represented 65 parishes in the diocese and were seated by their deanery. In Raleigh, the cathedral was filled with more than 1,400 people, said Xochitl Martinez, a diocesan coordinator for formation. Almost 700 of them were Catechumens (children and adults), she added, and almost 700 were godparents.
One representative from each parish was also present to present a Book of the Elect from their parish to the bishop for his signature. The rite took place during Mass after the homily.
“The warmth of faith filled every corner,” Martinez said, noting the cold outside. “More than 680 elect — 120 more than last year — responded with courage and hope to the Lord’s call, a visible sign of the steady growth our diocese continues to experience. Each name inscribed and every step toward the Easter Vigil reveals a unique story of searching, encounter, and transformation.”
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