Journey’s end in sight for catechumens

By Anna Weaver | Hawaii Catholic Herald

In preparation for being welcomed into the Catholic Church on Easter Saturday, more than 150 Oahu catechumens signed their names in Books of the Elect and greeted Bishop Larry Silva during the Rite of Election on Feb. 25 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa.

Bishop Silva presided over an earlier Rite of Election the day before at Annunciation Church in Kamuela on the Big Island.

In his opening remarks on Feb. 25, the bishop said, “We thank God for all our brothers and sisters, who have been on a journey.”

For most, that journey began last year as catechumens preparing to enter the faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

The elect will receive the three sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist — at the Easter vigil in their parishes.

The Rite of Election is usually held on or around the First Sunday of Lent.

In his homily Bishop Silva spoke of the Lenten ritual of fasting. He said that “we are called to fast so we can feast more fully on the Word of God,” which is “meant to be a living word that captivates us, that changes us.”

This year, 125 additional Hawaii adults and children, who have already been baptized, will be received into “full communion” with the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.