BY AMANDA HUDSON News Editor
ROCKFORD-Two ceremonies of the Celebration of the Rite of Elec- tion of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates took place at the Cathedral of St. Peter on March 5, one in the English language and the other in Spanish. The beautiful day welcomed catechu- mens and candidates, their godparents/ sponsors and families from throughout the diocese for this formal step before the Easter Vigil when they will be bap- tized (catechumens only) and receive the sacraments of confirmation and Eu- charist. The rite included the Liturgy of the Word, presentation of the catechumens and their enrollment and election, and presentation of the candidates where they were recognized. In both cases the sponsors and godparents agreed to continue to support their catechumens/ candidates with guidance and concern. Bishop David Malloy then prayed over those gathered before the final song. A light reception followed both ceremonies where the bishop posed with the various groups and individuals for photos. In the first part of his homily in that Mother Church of this Diocese, the bishop expressed his wish that the Ca- thedral would become for you, even if it is not a regular place of your worship, still a place in your heart and a real sign of a part of the unity of the Church. He noted that the gathering included laity, priests, catechists, deacons, semi- narians and young people, calling their presence a sign of the meaning of the step they were taking that day. Your bishop, he added, is here as a sign of the unity of the Church ... we are seek- ing to integrate ourselves into that unity that is the Church, the unity of faith ... of charity ... of practice, (the) unity of our search for heaven itself. This gathering, he added, could be called the home stretch. Six weeks from today is the Easter Vigil.
(Observer photos/Amanda Hudson)
Two Rite of Election celebrations were held on March 5 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford. The first welcomed English speaking candidates and catechumens while the second, pictured above, welcomed many for a Spanish-language Rite of Election (for catechu- mens) and Call to Continuing Conversion (for candidates). Catechumens were accompanied by their godparents and candidates at- tended with their sponsors. Father Kevin Butler, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Somonauk, attended the Rite of Election with his candidates and catechumens. Bishop David Malloy posed for photos at receptions after both the English and Spanish celebrations.
Those Coming to Catholicism Elected
Volume 87 No. 14 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY MARCH 11, 2022
Inside
Long-Time Aurora Principal Transitioning Out
Father F. William Etheredge to transition to a parish once a new ACC principal is hired.
page 3
Peoria Bishop Retires
Coadjutor Bishop Louis Tylka succeeds Bishop Daniel R. Jenky.
page 11
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Bishop Malloy ....................... 2 Headliners ............................... 3 Diocesan .................................. 4 Around the Diocese ............ 5 Lent 2022 ............................ 6-7 Nation/World ............... 10-11 Our Catholic View ....... 12-13 For the Record .................... 14 Media/Arts ............................ 15 Forever Family .................... 16
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All in the assembly promised to support the candidates and catechumens with prayers and affection.
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