Annual Rite of Election begins Lent and final period of preparation for Easter
NEWS RELEASE
February 25, 2025
Contact: Very Rev. Michael Balash, Director, Office of Worship, 330-744-8451, ext. 282, mbalash@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Within the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, one hundred and ninety-one (191) men, women, and children from thirty-five (35) parishes are preparing to become members of the Catholic Church at Easter. Eighty-six (86) persons will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil on April 19; and one hundred and five (105) persons who have already been baptized in other Christian traditions will make a profession of faith and receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. This year represents an increase of more than 30 individuals from last year.
For many months these persons have been participating in parishes throughout the diocese in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a process through which they become familiar with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Catholic way of life. They also learn about and participate in the apostolic mission of the Church.
On the First Sunday of Lent, March 9, persons preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, known as catechumens, will celebrate the Rite of Election at Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown at 2:00 p.m. During this ceremony, they will be presented to The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown and their godparent/sponsor and members of the assembly will be asked to attest to their readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation. Those already baptized and seeking entrance into the Catholic Church, known as candidates, will also be presented to Bishop Bonnar at this ceremony.
The catechumens and candidates will continue their final preparation for Easter in their parishes throughout the diocese. Along with all Catholics, they will observe the weeks of Lent as a time of spiritual recollection in anticipation of the great feast of Easter.
For more information, contact Very Rev. Michael D. Balash, Office of Worship, 330-744-8451, ext. 282, mbalash@youngstowndiocese.org
