As Lent began, we celebrated special rituals for the 521 new members who are preparing to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil. The weekend weather was cold and icy, but that did not stop the two celebrations of the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion held on Saturday morning at the Cathedral and on Sunday afternoon at St. Gabriel. We rejoiced greatly with the 225 catechumens and 296 candidates from across the Archdiocese of Louisville who will enter the Church at the coming Easter Vigil.

Those present heard the words of 1 Peter 2: “…like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house….” and the words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” The catechumens and candidates were reminded of the journey of faith which had brought them to this moment and the important work that God had done (and continues to do) in their lives. As followers of Christ, we must remain close to Him and to the Church in order to strengthen our faith and grow in love.

Archbishop Kurtz questioned their readiness for the sacraments and then received the testimony of godparents, sponsors, and the entire community before declaring the catechumens to be members of the elect and inviting the candidates to be faithful to their baptismal promises. We rejoiced with our brothers and sisters who will be fully initiated and enter the Church in a few short weeks. What a great way to begin Lent! May the elect and candidates remain in our prayers as we move toward Easter.

(These are some scenes of Archbishop Kurtz greeting the elect and candidates after the ceremony.)