A long line of the Elect wait their turn to be personally welcomed by Bishop Carmody at Corpus Christi Cathedral for the Rite of Election on February 21. The cathedral was filled with 105 catechumens, 215 candidates together with their godparents and sponsors from 20 different parishes and missions to demonstrate their willingness to become members of the Catholic Church.

"May you continue growing in your relationship with the Lord. May your journey be a journey of love and faith," proclaimed Bishop Edmond Carmody when he spoke to the catechumens and candidates gathered at Corpus Christi Cathedral for the Rite of Election on February 21.

The cathedral was filled with 105 catechumens, 215 candidates together with their godparents and sponsors from 20 different parishes and missions to demonstrate their willingness to become members of the Catholic Church.

The Rite of Election, held every year on the first Sunday of Lent, is presided by the bishop, who calls those who are judged ready to prepare for the sacraments of initiation at Easter.

Catechumens are individuals who have not been baptized in the Christian faith. During their respective parishes Easter Vigil liturgies, they will be baptized, confirmed and receive their first Communion. Candidates have been baptized, but have not received any additional sacraments.

According to Mary Christmas, chairperson of the diocesan RCIA steering committee, catechumens enter the cathedral as catechumens, but "Bishop Carmody declares them to be the Elect after he questions the assembly about the catechumens' readiness and asks them about their readiness."

"Bishop Carmody affirms that God has chosen them; their response to God is their free choice. For the rest of Lent, they are the Elect," Christmas said.

At the beginning of the Rite of Election, Bishop Carmody welcomed the catechumens and candidates saying, "It is certainly a joy to see such a marvelous crowd to be welcomed by the Bishop of Corpus Christi. May God protect all who are about to become your children."

In his homily, Bishop Carmody urged everyone to "take on an attitude of goodness and love. We want to show faith, love, kindness and goodness to each other everyday."

Bishop Carmody thanked the RCIA sponsors for "giving of their time to others. These sponsors worked with the catechumens and candidates helping them to grow in love for the Lord."

"Catechumens and candidates, we pray you will have the same love and kindness which those in the RCIA program have shown to you."

Bishop Carmody concluded his homily by encouraging these future members of the church to know that, "Lord Jesus guides us and loves us. We ask for the Lord to bless you and guide you and for you to live your vocation in the Lord."

The bishop then processed to the communion rail where he personally greeted each elect and candidate.

Clearly nervous, 13-year-old Rachel Ford anxiously waited for her turn to be called forward to be welcomed by Bishop Carmody.

A student at Hamlin Middle School and attending St. Patrick Church, Rachel was happy to finally be baptized.

"My grandparents are Catholic. I am excited about today. This is cool."

Rachel Ford's godparents and sponsors are Jim and Linda West, parishioners at St. Patrick Church.

Candidate Chris Varin of Most Precious Blood Parish was looking forward to continuing his journey to becoming Catholic.

Having been baptized as an infant into the Episcopalian faith, Varin had drifted away from religion as an adult.

"I came to Most Precious Blood Church and went through the Encounter program. The program made me want to seek out more information. "I wanted to become an official Catholic. I am excited about today," said Varin.

Angela Drake of Most Precious Blood is Varin's sponsor.

For Jeanine Akin, it was her son Jacob who urged her to become Catholic.

"After my son Jacob made his first communion, he said, ‘it's now your turn, Mommy,'" laughed Jeanine.

Jeanine, an elect, is a member of Sacred Heart in Rockport.

With both her son and her husband Catholics, Jeanine knew it was time.

"This is all overwhelming but rewarding. This is very special."

One of Jeanine's sponsors is Kathleen Akin, her great-grandmother-in-law.

"We are so happy to have Jeanine become Catholic. We are a very old Catholic family. We are a family of nuns and priests. Jeanine becoming Catholic is a continuation of our family history," stated Kathleen, a parishioner at Sacred Heart in Rockport.

Jeanine's other sponsor is B.J. Kittle of Sacred Heart in Rockport.

Mary Christmas believes as Kathleen Akin that it is the responsibility of the family and the "community of believers to be an example to those who are searching for Christ."

"The initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptized not just a few catechists. These rites are a reminder of that communal responsibility," said Christmas.

After Bishop Carmody had greeted and welcomed the elect and the candidates into the Catholic faith, the Rite of Election ceremony closed, and the opening of the 40 hours of devotion with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament began.

Solemn Exposition took place when Bishop Carmody placed a large Host in the lunette of the monstrance and positioned the monstrance on the altar for all the adorers to see.

"We wanted to expose the candidates and elect to the body of Christ," explained Father Joseph Lopez, rector of Corpus Christi Cathedral.

"We wanted to enhance what they have learned in RCIA," said Father Pete Elizardo, master of ceremonies.

"While the forty hours of devotion is meaningful for everyone, we wanted to expose the candidates and elect while they were on fire from the Rite of Election ceremony. We are planning to make the 40 hours of devotion an annual event with the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent," stated Father Lopez.

After serving 23 years with the RCIA program at the Cathedral including 18 years with the Diocese, adding the Solemn Exposition with 40 hours of devotion was special for Christmas.

"It was a wonderful ceremony. I loved the fact that the elect, candidates and their sponsors and families were able to participate in the opening of the 40 hours of devotion. What a beautiful way to end the ceremony."