Bishop Patrick Neary celebrated the Rite of Election Feb. 22 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud with catechumens from around the diocese. Catechumens are those who are preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation — baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist — at the Easter Vigil. Forty-two catechumens from 11 area Catholic communities and Saint John’s University entered their names in the Book of the Elect during the Rite.
During his homily Bishop Neary told them, “The Holy Spirit, we know, at First Pentecost totally transformed those terrified, depressed, directionless disciples into fearless witnesses to the risen Lord. He’ll do the same with you. You will be his disciples by your baptism, called to see Christ and to love him in every person you meet.”
The Rite of Election is celebrated during Lent as part of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.
