Parish representatives raise the Book of the Elect for all to see during the Rite of Election at St. Mary of the Visitation Church in Ottumwa March 9.
By Barb Arland-Fye and Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
On the first Sunday of Lent, 188 individuals on a journey of faith celebrated a milestone during liturgies held simultaneously at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport and St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Ottumwa.
Diocesan leaders planned the liturgies, separated by 133 miles, to emphasize the diocesan Church’s unity and inclusivity for individuals participating in the Rite of Election of Catechumens and of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion on March 9. The celebration in Ottumwa was bilingual to recognize the presence of Hispanic members in the Church.
Bishop Dennis Walsh presided at the liturgy in Ottumwa. Father Thom Hennen, the diocese’s vicar general and pastor of Sacred Heart Cathedral, presided at the liturgy in Davenport. He told the gathering that although the bishop has not figured out a way to be in two places at once, “He’s with your brothers and sisters across the diocese. He passes along his prayers to you.”
Catechumens, who became members of the elect during the liturgy, seek admission to the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Candidates are baptized individuals awaiting the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.
Lost, now found
Among the catechumens was Aaron Kahler of St. Wenceslaus Parish-Iowa City, who was inspired by Bishop Walsh’s homily that reflected in part on the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years. “The journey we read about in the first reading (Deuteronomy 26:4-10) parallels the journey during the catechumenate,” Bishop Walsh said. He encouraged the gathering to learn two important lessons: “God will always be faithful to us” and “we must learn to trust God on the journey. It took Israel 40 years in the desert to learn those lessons.”
“I am 48 years old. My mother died when I was 8,” Kahler said during a session with other members of the elect, reflecting more deeply on the Scriptures they heard during Mass. For 40 years, Kahler felt as if he had been wandering in the desert. Now he senses Jesus’ presence in his life, guiding him to his new home in the Catholic Church.
“The big question in life is what are you looking for?” Bishop Walsh had said earlier in his homily. It is about the journey. It is a search for the only thing that can fill the void and emptiness of our lives, Jesus Christ.”
Bishop Walsh cautioned, “Along the way to discipleship we all face the same temptations that Jesus faces in the Gospel.” Catholic disciples will be ridiculed, laughed at, he said. “Wear it as a badge of honor.” Remain steadfast in faith, which is “not about seeking signs but trusting in God’s unfailing love,” the bishop said.
Parish representatives raise the Book of the Elect for all to see during the Rite of Election at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport March 9.
Walk with others
“Let us all commit to being a source of encouragement and support for one another, especially those preparing for the sacraments of initiation. … Let us pray for our catechumens and for one another,” Bishop Walsh said.
Father Hennen, also reflecting on the reading from Deuteronomy, shared that when he was studying for the priesthood in Rome one of his professors focused on that Scripture. The professor said it was “an expression of who (the Israelites) are, where they came from and what defined them as people.” The gathering of the faithful for the liturgy “reminds us of who we are, what God has done for us and where we are going,” Father Hennen said. “We are a people of God.”
Rite of Election of Catechumens and of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion signals a “new period of reparation and enlightenment. We come together and remain steadfast in our faith,” Father Hennen said. He encouraged his brothers and sisters in faith not to “fret about who you are. Do not be dismayed. Do not walk alone. Walk with others and with Jesus. You will reach your destination.”
Breaking open the Word
Following the intercessions for the elect and the candidates, Bishop Walsh and Father Hennen sent the elect to the respective parish halls to reflect on “the word of God which you have shared with us today. Be assured of our loving support and prayers for you. We look forward to the day when you will share fully in the Lord’s Table,” Bishop Walsh said.
Catechists from various parts of the diocese guided the elect in their study — Deacon Angel Hernandez, Adrianna Contreras and Paulina Loaiza in Ottumwa and Tammy Norcross-Reitzler and Sister Cheryl Demmer, PBVM, in Davenport.
“Isn’t this an awesome season of Lent? It is time to prepare your hearts more seriously for the sacraments,” Norcross-Reitzler said, adding, “The rest of us will renew our own baptismal promises at Easter.” Among the questions she asked, “What distractions have you encountered and how has God helped you (overcome them)?” Distractions included social media, doubt, financial insecurity, addiction and non-believers. The elect said prayer, Scripture, and other believers have helped them to overcome distractions.
Loaiza, responding to Kahler’s deeply personal sharing of Jesus’ entry into his life, asked if others wanted to share how they saw Jesus. “He also connects (you) with your godparents,” said Chloe Oliver of St. Mary Parish-Fairfield. “I am coming into the Catholic Church totally new … my (godmother) is super welcoming, almost like a second mother.”
