‘Jesus is on our side’: Thousands answer Christ’s call at Rite of Election Liturgies

Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez presides over another Rite of Election Liturgy at Christ the Incarnate Word Parish in Houston, also on Feb. 22.  Nearly 3,000 were welcomed at six Rite of Election Liturgies around the Archdiocese that same day. (Photos by James Ramos/Herald)HOUSTON — The sound began softly, a shuffle of feet and pews as the first names were called.

Then waves of people across six packed parishes rose, row after row, until eventually nearly 3,000 would stand. It was the unmistakable sight of the Rite of Election, when the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston welcomed the largest number of people ever preparing to enter the Catholic Church. This year, 1,983 catechumens and 972 candidates were formally presented, a record total of 2,955, according to the Office of Worship. 

At the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez watched as hundreds stood before him. “Each one of you has your own particular story. I do not know how you got here, but it must be a unique story,” he said. “Know that I rejoice. Know that you now join us. You belong to Christ Jesus.”

Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, view names of the elect at a Rite of Election Liturgy at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Houston on Feb. 22. Celebrated at parishes across the Archdiocese’s geographic span on Feb. 22, the First Sunday of Lent, the six bilingual Liturgies were hosted at Christ the Incarnate Word in Houston, St. Ignatius of Loyola in Spring, the Co-Cathedral, St. Michael the Archangel in Houston, Christ the Redeemer in Houston, and Mary Queen in Friendswood.

Several parish programs emerged as the largest contributors to this year’s record numbers. Sacred Heart Parish in Conroe led all communities with 86 catechumens, followed closely by St. Juan Diego Parish in Pasadena with 84. Among candidates, St. Bartholomew the Apostle Parish in Katy brought 63, with St. John Vianney Parish in Houston next at 41.

Collectively, these parishes helped mark one of the broadest regional showings in recent memory, drawing catechumens and candidates from parishes spanning nine of the Archdiocese’s 10 counties. Archbishop Vásquez presided at Christ the Incarnate Word, the Co-Cathedral, and Mary Queen. Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, celebrated at St. Ignatius and Christ the Redeemer, and Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, presided at St. Michael the Archangel.

At each Liturgy, sponsors stood beside the elect, often placing reassuring hands on shoulders as pastors proclaimed each name. “Let those who are to be chosen as the elect, as your name is called, stand together with your sponsors,” Archbishop Vásquez said, as pews rustled and groups rose in unison.

What it all means

The Rite of Election marks the Church’s formal recognition that catechumens, or those never baptized, are ready for the final period of preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil, this year on Saturday, April 4. 

Candidates, or people who are already baptized Christians, take part in the Call to Continuing Conversion within the same Liturgy. At the presider’s invitation, they stand with their sponsors as the bishop recognizes their readiness to complete initiation and be received into full communion at Easter, normally through Confirmation and Eucharist. Unlike catechumens, candidates are not enrolled in the Book of the Elect because they are already baptized. 

Archbishop Vásquez emphasized the unity of the Church and the diverse stories represented among the elect. “When you go to Catholic parishes, you will see people of different backgrounds and cultures. They are formed into one people,” he said. He urged them to continue forward in trust through Lent. “Jesus is on our side. The devil has no power over us. Only God can help us. He defeats the devil every time.” 

As each Liturgy concluded, the newly elected were sent forth to continue prayer and preparation for the scrutinies in the coming weeks, carrying with them the moment they stood and were called by name. 

For more than 2,900 catechumens and candidates, the path to the Easter season now draws closer.