At 9:00 p.m. on Saturday night, March 30th at Easter Vigil Masses throughout the Cleveland diocese, the Catholic Church will welcome hundreds of Catechumens and Candidates who have been preparing themselves for months to become full members into the life of the Catholic community in Northeast Ohio.
In 2012 at Easter Vigil Masses throughout the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland, 1,029 people were welcomed into the Catholic Church.
Click play to watch highlights of the Rite of Election
The Catechumens---those who are not baptized---received affirmation of God's call in their lives from Bishop Lennon. During the "Rite of Election" which took place with Bishop Lennon on Sunday, February 17 at St. John's Cathedral. The Catechumens presented the book which was signed in their parish, acknowledging that that they have responded to God's call to be one of his people. The Bishop declares them as " Elect," as they are committed to the sacraments of the Church to be received at the Easter Vigil. They will be baptized, confirmed, and receive Holy Eucharist.
The Candidates---those already validly baptized---who are seeking full communion with the Catholic church are called by the Bishop to continue their conversion and during Lent respond to their baptismal call. At the Easter Vigil the Candidates will be brought into full communion with the Church and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.