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Rite of Election welcomes 250 candidates and catechumen

Zoey Maraist | Catholic Herald Staff Writer

Sponsors place their hands on the shoulder of their catechumen or candidate during the Rite of Election.ZOEY MARAIST | CATHOLIC HERALD

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Bishop Michael F. Burbdige signs the book of the elect during the Rite of Election. ZOEY MARAIST | CATHOLIC HERALD

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Ruby Lee Brown (right), 82, from St. Joseph Church in Alexandria came with her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Joseph Ragsdale. ZOEY MARAIST | CATHOLIC HERALD

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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Woodbridge
filled with candidates and catechumens Feb. 26 for the Rite of Election. There
were 85 catechumens and 165 candidates from 11 parishes. 

“Your stories and faith journeys are unique,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge said during his homily. “It would be amazing to hear them. Yet, all of you have
something in common. Ultimately, you are here today because the Lord has chosen
you. With his grace and the support of those who love you, you have said ‘yes’
to a call that will lead you to an Easter like no other.”

The Book of the Elect was brought forth by catechumens from each
parish and signed by Bishop Burbidge. 

Ruby Lee Brown, 82, from St. Joseph Church in Alexandria was
joined by her daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Joseph Ragsdale. Brown married
a Protestant, and her grandmother told her that she should be the same religion
as her husband. After Brown’s husband died last April, she decided to join the
Catholic Church.

“I always wanted to be here,” she said with tears in her eyes. 

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