Of all the catechumens participating in the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington Feb. 22, Andre Kellum’s 37-year path to the Catholic Church could be the longest.
“Oh, it’s very special,” said Kellum. “This has been a long journey. My wife of 37 years is a cradle Catholic, and I was working overseas over the course of my career. I finally decided to improve myself and my family. I wish I had done this years ago.”
Bearing a military posture, the 6-foot-8 inch Kellum had the honor of leading fellow catechumens from St. John the Apostle Church in Leesburg to the altar as he cradled the Book of the Elect.
His wife, Diane, was overjoyed that her prayers had been answered. “I was sitting in church thinking, ‘I’ve been praying for this for a long time,’ ” she said. “All of our children are baptized. I’m so happy that he took this step to come closer to the Lord.”
Despite the threat of a snowstorm, 330 catechumens (those entering the church who have not been baptized) representing 50 parishes crowded into the cathedral, along with sponsors, friends and family.
“The cathedral is the mother church of the diocese and all of you are parishioners in a sense,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge in his homily. “It’s the church that unites us as a diocesan family with the bishop’s chair reminding us that we are under the care of Jesus, the good shepherd.”
Seeing the cathedral for the first time made a powerful impact on Eric Cerami, one of 17 catechumens from St. William of York Church in Stafford. “I was not expecting this — it’s very beautiful,” he said, while expressing appreciation for the truth the church teaches. “I have friends who aren’t Catholic and I don’t know what they ground their beliefs in. But the Catholic Church has been the church from the beginning, and it’s amazing to have that history and unity.”
After signing his name in the Book of the Elect, Bishop Burbidge walked down the line, welcoming each catechumen with a handshake. “You are not here by some sort of chance or coincidence,” he said. “You’re here as part of God’s divine and mysterious plan for you.”
Katerin Mercedes Franco grew up attending an evangelical church in the Dominican Republic, but was attracted to Catholicism after a family tragedy. “I’m looking for peace,” said Mercedes Franco, who attends St. Charles Borromeo Church in Arlington. “My 21-year-old cousin passed away and it made me realize that I wanted to get closer to God to pray for his soul and for my family.”
Briana Hollberg, who will soon marry into a Catholic family, comes from a Baptist background. “This day is just another step to show my dedication to the faith and my interests in learning about the Catholic faith,” said Hollberg, who attends Nativity Catholic Church in Burke.
“’I’ve always felt some sort of attraction to the Catholic Church and the traditions that they have is something I think is beautiful. Even just seeing the Spanish Mass today.”
Briana’s fiancé, Carlos Urbina, was beaming with joy. “I’m so excited for her to become a member of our church,” he said. “We want to get married at Nativity Church so that’s a huge piece of our relationship and the start of our future together.”
Accompanied by his sponsor who is also his future father-in-law, Cooper Lewis was elated. “It means so much to be joining this wonderful faith and tradition and more importantly here, a community that I’m excited to be a part of,” said Lewis, who participated in OCIA at St. Charles Borromeo. “It’s beautiful to think about raising my kids in the faith just as my sponsor did with his children.”
The largest contingent of catechumens was from St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in Fredericksburg with 29, including Heather Gill. “I didn’t have a lot of church in my life but my mother became Catholic and that’s what motivated me to become Catholic,” said Gill, who came with her twin 6-year-old daughters. “This is a big journey for me. I am also seeking to have my daughters baptized to make sure we’re all in a good place.”
Much greater things are in store for all 330 men and women whose names were entered in the Book of the Elect, said Father Alfredo D. Tuesta, parochial vicar of St. William of York. “They’re getting to know who they are in the eyes of God,” he said. “As they approach Easter and the big day of their baptism, the day where they’re brought into the church, it’s going to be a full revelation for them.”
“Dear catechumens, we are so happy for you,” said Bishop Burbidge. “What a special day in your life for the diocese and the entire church … Jesus has chosen you by name, saying ‘Come after me, follow me.’ And by giving your yes, Jesus will make you a new creation, the one who lives and reigns forever and ever.”
