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The cultural diversity of the Church came into full focus across the archdiocese in recent weeks through the annual Rites of Election and Continuing Conversion that are to expected to usher into the faith nearly 1,800 candidates and catechumens at the Easter Vigil April 4.
At St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Cardinal Dolan presided at the Rite of Calling Candidates to Continuing Conversion March 1 and the Rite of Election Feb. 22, the first Sunday of Lent.
The Rite of Election was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for 650 catechumens from nearly 100 parishes. Catechumens are those who have not yet been baptized and are preparing to enter the Church by receiving the sacraments of initiation—baptism, confirmation and First Holy Communion—at the Easter Vigil in their parish churches.
At that rite which included readings in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, Cardinal Dolan said the catechumens were gifts to the archdiocese and said they inspired him in their decision to be close to Jesus.
“You have made a significant step towards your full initiation into our Catholic faith. It is your duty now, as it is with all those who declare their belief in Christ, to be sincere in your profession of faith.”
The cardinal acknowledged the presence of the catechumens’ family members, godparents and sponsors joining their loved ones on the path of faith. He asked all to be mindful of the season of Lent.
“May those who have been with you in this journey—your godparents, sponsors, catechists and spiritual directors—be blessed for their good work,” the cardinal said. “Let us remember that during this time of renewal and repair our hearts need repair too, even those who have been Catholics our whole life. We all need God’s grace and that’s what the sacraments do for us.”
Accompanied by their godparents and sponsors, the names of the catechumens were called by Sister Joan Curtin, C.N.D., director of the archdiocesan Catechetical Office, and Oscar Cruz, director of the catechumenate. The catechumens then stepped forward and signed the Rite of Elect Book.
Amber Stokes is set to marry Eric Vitale May 2, but before their wedding day, Ms. Stokes will officially join the Catholic faith. Ms. Stokes, who attends the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in lower Manhattan, was accompanied to the rite by her fiancé, who is her sponsor during the initiation period.
Although her mother was raised in a Catholic family, Ms. Stokes said she herself was not brought up Catholic. But when Ms. Stokes began dating Vitale, she started attending church on a regular basis. “I just felt part of the community,” she said. “Our relationship has grown deeper because faith is such an important part of his life,” she added of her fiancé, whose father is Deacon Paul Vitale, stationed at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral.
Steven Daryl Ceron, 14, who attends Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St. Benedicta parish on Staten Island, was joined at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Feb. 22 by his aunt, Rosie Minerva Ceron, whom he has chosen to be his godmother.
“I always wanted to be closer to God and Jesus and I am glad to be here on this day with my family,” Steven said.
Ms. Ceron said she began taking Steven to church because she wanted her nephew to share in the same special relationship she has with God. “I think he has matured and his behavior has improved a lot during these days. I am very proud of him,” she said.
The Rite of Calling Candidates to Continuing Conversion, in which those previously baptized as part of other Christian communities prepare to complete their initiation into the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of confirmation and first Holy Communion, was celebrated by 776 candidates representing more than 50 parishes at St. Patrick’s Cathedral March 1.
The rite was also scheduled to be celebrated at three other parish churches in the archdiocese that day.
Inclement weather forced cancellation of the rite by Auxiliary Bishop Dominick Lagonegro at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church in LaGrangeville for 156 candidates from 21 parishes. Auxiliary Bishop John O’Hara led the rite at Our Lady of Pity Church, Staten Island, for 139 candidates from 15 parishes, and Auxiliary Bishop Gerald Walsh at Transfiguration Church in Tarrytown, for 64 candidates from eight parishes.
