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SAN ANTONIO • In three different parishes across the archdiocese on the first Sunday of Lent, Archbishop José H. Gomez and Bishop Patrick J. Zurek welcomed hundreds of people, young and old, as they celebrated the Rite of Election of catechumens, who are preparing to receive baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist, as well as the Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion of candidates, who have already been baptized, but are now seeking the sacraments of confirmation and the Eucharist.
In his comments to the assembly, Archbishop Gomez noted, “You are all here today because you are saying ‘yes’ to the Catholic Church. But we all go through the same journey of faith with you, as you candidates and catechumens journey to the sacraments of Easter.”
He continued, “As you embark on this journey to the moment of fullness with the church, there will be good and yet difficult times. But the best preparation for Easter is to experience conversion, that is, a change of heart.”
Referring to Pope Benedict’s recent encyclical, “Spe Salvi,” the archbishop pointed out that hope is a distinguishing mark of a Christian. We can say, ‘Yes, we have hope! We have joy when we see the victory of Jesus!’”
All the candidates and catechumens were warmly greeted by the presider at each liturgy as the RCIA directors from each parish introduced them. They will continue their faith journey, supported by the prayers of their community and the archdiocese. |