Rite of Elec+on February 14, 2016 3:30 pm Cathedral of St John the Bap+st Savannah, Georgia
Rite of Elec+on Second step in Chris+an ini+a+on Also called the Enrollment of Names Closes the Period of the Catechumenate Opens the Period of Enlightenment and Purifica+on
Rite of Elec+on On the basis of the tes+mony of the sponsors and catechists, and of the catechumens and candidates reaffirma+on of their inten+on, the Church judges their state of readiness and decides on their advancement toward the Sacraments of Ini+a+on.
This step is called elec+on because the acceptance made by the Church is founded on the elec+on by God, in whose name the Church acts. The step is also called the enrollment of names because as a pledge of fidelity the catechumens inscribe their names in the book that lists those who have been chosen for ini+a+on
Rite of Elec+on A ritual based on: The tes+mony of sponsors and catechists The catechumen s/candidate s reaffirma+on of their inten+on to follow Christ in the Roman Catholic tradi+on A communal discernment of readiness to embrace the way of the cross and a life of discipleship
It is an Episcopal liturgy, meaning one presided over by the Bishop. This is important for it is the bishop who will affirm Bishop Gregory John Hartmeyer the ac+on of God in our midst and will acknowledge the Church s witness to that ac+on on behalf of the en+re Roman Catholic Church.
The Rite of Elec+on is the focal point of the Church s concern for the catechumens/candidates. With deliberate will and an enlightened faith the catechumen/candidate must have the inten+on to receive the sacraments of the Church, a resolve they will express publicly in the actual celebra+on of the rite. Before the Rite of Elec+on is celebrated the catechumens/ candidates are expected to have undergone a conversion in mind and ac+on and to have developed a sufficient acquaintance with Chris+an teaching as well as a spirit of faith and charity.
Discernment of Readiness More than simply making a decision Discernment is not so much a ra+onal process, but a listening to what God is doing or to where God is leading us La+n discernere : a si\ing through, separa+ng, taking apart
Discernment We are si\ing through the various spirits that are in ac+on We start by observing behavior and then digging deeper. What caused this behavior? Discernment involves the heart, feelings, gut ins+ncts and of course the mind
Readiness is characterized by: Conversion in mind and ac+on Sufficient acquaintance with Chris+an teaching Development of a spirit of faith and charity
Conversion in Mind and Ac+ons This means that both a_tudes and behaviors have begun to change to be in accord with the Gospels of Christ and the teachings of the Church
Sufficient Acquaintance with Chris+an Teaching Long enough for the conversion and faith of the Catechumen to become strong It should extend from the Rite of Acceptance to include the periods of the catechumenate and purifica+on and enlightenment One liturgical year: Advent/Christmas Lent/Easter
Comprehensive Catechesis Doctrinal truths based on the Liturgical year Discuss doctrinal truths found in the creeds and Lord s Prayer Introduc+on to prayer and spirituality Explore individual and social morality Reflect on Catholic Social Jus+ce
Spirit of Faith Ongoing Conversion: As we are exposed to the truths of the Church we find ourselves in a constant cycle of change Repentance Turn away from past behaviors and develop new ones; Sorrow and a contrite heart for past ac+ons Rela+onship with the Church Our rela+onship with the Chris+an community is an absolute necessity Deeper understanding of the grace, mystery and power of the Liturgy
Turning to God more readily in prayer Witness to our faith in Christ Spirit of Faith Hope in Christ during good and bad +mes Openness to the promp+ngs of the Holy Spirit and having the courage to act on it Love of neighbor
Spirit of Charity Love of neighbor Corporal and spiritual works of mercy Generosity with +me, talent and treasure
Corporal Works of Mercy To feed the hungry To give drink to the thirsty To clothe the naked To harbour the harbourless To visit the sick To ransom the cap+ve To bury the dead
Spiritual Works of Mercy To instruct the ignorant To counsel the doubbul To admonish sinners To bear wrongs pa+ently To forgive offences willingly To comfort the afflicted To pray for the living and the dead
Spirit of Charity We are slow to anger and rich in compassion choosing kindness, goodness and mercy over retribu+on, vengeance, and holding grudges. We are inclined toward that which serves the common good using Catholic Social Teachings as our guide as we formulate opinions and ac+ons that speak of Christ s love of others.
Celebra+on of the Rite of Elec+on of Catechumens and of The Call to Con+nuing Conversion of Candidates Who Are Preparing for Confirma+on and/or Eucharist or Recep+on into Full Communion of the Catholic Church Entrance Procession "Church of God, Elect and Glorious" (please join in singing.) Church of God, elect and glorious, holy na5on, chosen race; Called as God's own special people, royal priests and heirs of grace: know the purpose of your calling, show to all God's mighty deeds; tell of love which knows no limits, grace which meets all human needs. God has called you out of darkness into God's most marv 'lous light, brought his truth to life within you, turned your blindness into sight. Let your light so shine around you that God's name is glorified; and all find fresh hope and purpose in Christ Jesus crucified. Once you were an alien people, strangers to God's heart of love; but God brought you home in mercy, ci5zens of heav 'n above. Let God's love flow out to others, let them feel a Father's care; that they too may know his welcome and his countless blessings share. Church of God, elect and holy, be the people God intends; strong in faith and swig to answer each command your master sends: royal priests, fulfill your calling through your sacrifice and prayer; give your lives in joyful service, sing his praise, God's love declare.
Opening Prayer Liturgy of the Word First Reading Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Responsorial Psalm Be merciful, 0 Lord, for we have sinned. Second Reading Romans 5:12-19 Gospel Acclama+on glory. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless Gospel Malhew 4: 1-11 Homily Bishop Gregory John Hartmeyer
Celebra+on of Elec+on Presenta(on of the Catechumens: Catechumens stand when your name is called along with your sponsors. Remain standing un5l all the names are called. The Bishop will inquire as to the readiness of the Catechumens to become the Elect. Respond to the Bishop s ques5ons where appropriate. Affirma&on by the Sponsors and the Assembly Bishop: God's holy church wishes to know whether these catechumens are sufficiently prepared to be enrolled among the elect for the coming celebra5on of Easter. And so I speak first of all to you their Godparents. Have they faithfully listened to God's word proclaimed by the Church? Sponsors: THEY HAVE. Bishop: Have they responded to God's word and begun to walk in God's presence? Sponsors: THEY HAVE. Bishop: Have they shared the company of their Chris5an brothers and sisters and joined them in prayer? Sponsors: THEY HAVE. Bishop to the Assembly: Are you ready to support the tes5mony expressed about these catechumens and include them in your prayer and affec5on as we move toward Easter? Assembly: WE ARE.
Celebra+on of Elec+on Invita(on and Enrollment of Names Bishop to Catechumens: Therefore, do you wish to enter fully into the life of the Church through the sacraments of Bap+sm, Confirma+on, and Eucharist? Catechumens: WE DO. Bishop: Then offer your names for enrollment. The Catechumens and their Sponsors will come forward. The Catechumens will sign the pages available for the Book of the Elect, then proceed into the sanctuary area un5l all are Gathered.
Celebra+on of Elec+on Act of Admission or Elec+on Bishop to Catechumens: I now declare you to be members of the elect, to be ini+ated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil. The Elect: THANKS BE TO GOD! Bishop: God is always faithful to those he calls. Now it is your duty, as it is ours, both to be faithful to him in return and to strive courageously to reach the fullness of truth, which your elec+on opens before you. Godparents/Sponsors, place your hand on the shoulder of the newly elect. Godparents, you have spoken in favor of these catechumens: accept them now as chosen in the Lord and con+nue to sustain them through your loving care and example, un+l they come to share in the sacraments of God's life. Once the Bishop presents the Book to the assembly, return to your seat.
Celebra+ng the Call to Con+nuing Presenta(on of the Candidates Conversion Candidates (those previously bap5zed) and their Sponsors will be asked to stand when the candidate's name is called. Remain standing un5l all are called. The Bishop will ask about the readiness of the Candidates to be admi^ed to Confirma5on and Eucharist ager Lent. Respond to the Bishop's ques5ons where appropriate. Affirma(on by the Sponsors and the Assembly Bishop: The Chris+an life and the demands that flow from the Sacraments cannot be taken lightly. Therefore, before gran+ng these candidates their request to share fully in the church's sacraments, it is important that the Church hear the tes+mony of their sponsors about their readiness. My dear sponsors, have they faithfully listened to the Apostles' instruc+ons proclaimed by the Church? Sponsors: THEY HAVE.
Celebra+ng the Call to Con+nuing Conversion Bishop: Have they come to a deeper apprecia+on of their bap+sm, in which they were joined to Christ and His Church? Sponsors: THEY HAVE. Bishop: Have they reflected sufficiently on the tradi+on of the Church which is their heritage, and joined their brothers and sisters in prayer? Sponsors: THEY HAVE. Bishop: Have they advanced in a life of love and service to others? Sponsors: THEY HAVE. Bishop to the Assembly: Are you ready to support the tes+mony about these candidates and include them in your prayers and affec+on as we move toward Easter? Assembly: WE ARE.
Celebra+ng the Call to Con+nuing Conversion Act of Recogni(on Bishop to Candidates: The Church recognizes your desire to be sealed with the Holy Spirit and to have a place at Christ s Eucharis+c table. Join with us this Lent in a spirit of repentance. Hear the Lord's call to conversion and be faithful to your bap+smal covenant. Candidates: THANKS BE TO GOD. Sponsors, place your hand on the shoulder of your candidate. Bishop: Con+nue to support these candidates with your guidance and concern. May they see in you a love for the Church and a sincere desire for doing good. Lead them this Lent to the joys of the Easter Mysteries.
Celebra+ng the Call to Con+nuing Conversion Intercessions for the Elect and the Candidates All stand Response: Lord, hear our prayer. Prayer over the Elect and the Candidates Solemn Blessing and Dismissal Recessional Hymn All are invited for a recep5on honoring our Elect and Candidates following the Rite.
Summary The Rite of Elec+on proclaims that God is ac+ve in our very midst. God is a God of the living. The Rite of Elec+on proclaims that we, the Church, are witnesses to and heralds of the Good News of Christ Jesus The Rite of Elec+on gives catechumens and candidates the chance to publicly witness to their rela+onship with Christ and the Church and to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the Roman Catholic tradi+on. The Rite of Elec+on is evidence that the Holy Spirit is s+ll ac+ve in the transforma+on of men and women into followers of Christ
The Rite of Elec+on honors the sponsor s commitment to their Catechumens and Candidates and asks them to tes+fy as to how God has been at work preparing their companion to embrace the rights and responsibili+es of bap+sm. The Rite of Elec+on is the +me when the Church, through the Bishop, acknowledges God s ac+vity by declaring these individuals as members of God s elect, ready to receive the Easter sacraments You, our elect and candidates, are about to enter into a covenantal rela+onship with God and the Church. This rite emphasizes this reality.