Growing number of Catholics take part in Rite of Election
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For some, it was the right time. Candidates and catechumens took another step toward full communion with the Catholic Church by participating in the Rite of Election. The Feb. 18 ceremony at St. Joseph Cathedral saw nearly 150 names being entered into the Book of the Elect.
The Rite of Election closes the period of the Catechumenate. This rite normally coincides with the first Sunday of Lent. At this rite, upon the testimony of sponsors and catechists and the catechumens’ affirmation of their intention to join the Church, the Church makes its “election” of these catechumens to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. Bishop Michael W. Fisher inscribed their names in the Book of the Elect as a pledge of fidelity. The elect now begin a period of purification and enlightenment. This period concludes with the celebration of the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil.
For Matthew Mann, the day came as the fulfillment of lifelong desire and a promise.
“I’ve been a Catholic my whole life, but I was never baptized or received any of my sacraments as a young kid,” he explained. His father’s career in the Air Force kept the family on the move, and allowed Matthew to experience different cultures.
“My father had a stroke in 2019,” Matthew said. “They told me it should have been fatal and he wasn’t going to make it. I didn’t know how to pray on a rosary, but at that time, I went upstairs, found a rosary and I prayed to God, saying that I would dedicate my life to Him if I could keep my dad around. And he’s here today with me.”
That stroke brought the family, which was spread over the world, back to Buffalo where Matthew’s father, Mark Mann was raised.
“I think God has a plan,” Matthew said.
A line of catechumens runs through St. Joseph Cathedral as Bishop Michael W. Fisher enters their names into the Book of the elect. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Bishop Michael W. Fisher (right) enters the names of the catechumens into the Book of the Elect on Feb. 18 at St. Joseph Cathedral. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
In all, nearly 150 people will be joining the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Buffalo this Lent. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Bishop Michael W. Fisher adresses the elect, saying the Christian life cannot be taken lightly. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Now known as the elect, they return to their pews with thier Godparents. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Godparents and sponsors put their hands on the shoulders of the elect under their care, as Bishop Michael W. Fisher leads a prayer for them. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira)
Matthew was born in Thailand, to a Buddhist mother and Catholic father, who would push into the front pews every Sunday.
“In all honesty, I think not being a cradle Catholic has led me to be more aware of my faith and more invested in my faith, and to go through this whole process, which a lot of people will put off. But, now that I’m into it, I’ve learned so much about my own faith going through this adult RCIA class. I’m happy I did that.”
Some parents choose not to baptize their children for several reasons. Mark Mann said he wanted his son to have a choice in his faith.
“I’ve always wanted to (be baptized),” Matthew said. “It took something big (to make it happen), but hopefully for others it doesn’t take something so monumental to make them convert. I’ve always missed out on Communion. So, it’s exciting.”
When asked what led her to join the Catholic Church, Ashley Kirk points to her husband.
“I grew up Baptist. When I met him in 2001, he was Catholic, and I’ve always wanted to become Catholic, but it never was the right time. Now, it became the right time.”
She cites the traditions and scripture of the Catholic Church as appealing.
“It’s very welcoming, what I would like to have in a Church community.”
“I was always big on the whole family structure thing,” said her husband, Jamie. “Family means everything. That’s the way I was brought up. She didn’t come from that type of lifestyle. So, I pushed my beliefs – not pushed – but gave her my side of the beliefs.”
Karl Guenther knows about belonging to a community. The 18-year-old is a longtime Boy Scout. It was the scouts that led him to the Catholic faith.
“I grew up in Boy Scouts,” he said. “I went to some Catholic services when I was there. I had an experience when I was on a Scout trip in New Mexico, at Philmont Scout Ranch. From that point I had a huge urge to join the Catholic Church. I talked to my friend Ryan, asked him a lot of questions, and he helped me in my transition to the Catholic Church.”
Ryan acted as a sponsor, setting an example, offering words of encouragement, and holding discussions about the faith.
A member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Harris Hill, Guenther plans to get involved with the parish. “I’ve grown up volunteering, so I want to continue to grow in the Church and volunteer more,” he said.
During his homily, Bishop Michael W. Fisher thanked the candidates and their godparents and sponsors for taking part in their spiritual journey.
“Be assured of our prayers. Be assured that you are important to us in our faith and in our Church this day,” he said. “You bring us your zeal. You bring us your hope. You bring us your fire of faith. At the same time we give you the love of the community. The sacraments will be opened up for you to experience the very presence of Christ in your life, whether it be to nourish you, to strengthen you, to heal you, and to be there in your time of need. We come together this day to rejoice with you in your decision to move forward to full communion in baptism of our Church.”
The elect will be confirmed and receive first Communion on Easter Sunday at their home parish.
Listen here for Michael Mroziak’s report.
