40 days of Lent, what does it mean to a Catechumen new to Catholicism?
This is an intense 40-day period of self searching and repentance in which the Catholic Church supports its catechumen (the unbaptized) and its baptized candidates with special prayers of healing and strengthening and with rites affirming God’s choice and love for each of them. It also serves as the “home stretch,” the long process of the initiation of new converts into full membership in the church after a period of attending weekly classes deepening and forming their faith with the RCIA Director.
On the First Sunday of Lent, there is a formal enrollment of the names of the Catechumen, known as the Rite of Election.
This rite signifies the Catechumen’s readiness for the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) and provides an opportunity for them to express their desire to receive these sacraments. After the Rite of Election, these Catechumen become known as Elects.
Following a period of purification and enlightenment, Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
As newly initiated Catholics, they continue their formation and education continue with the Period of the Post Baptismal Catechesis, which is also called Mystagogy. This period continues at least until Pentecost.
Please support our Elects, godparents, candidates, sponsors and families, and all catechumen who are still journeying along in the RCIA process with your prayers throughout this Holy season of Lent. And may we all experience Lenten conversion and Easter renewal!
Meet our Elects, Confirmant and Children to be baptized this Easter
