This article was updated 3/9 with additional photos from the Rite of Election at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Lake Ridge.
In 2017, Taylor Darnaby was in a
terrible car accident, but emerged without a scratch. His fiancee, Maggie
O’Brien, credits St. Sebastian for savings Darnaby’s life since a blessed medal
was in his car. The whole experience prompted Darnaby, who was baptized Methodist,
to look into Catholicism.
“I felt like I needed to do something
about it,” said Darnaby, who attends Corpus Christi Church in South Riding with
O’Brien, who is also his sponsor. “Someone was watching over me.”
Darnaby joined 176 catechumens, or people
who have not been baptized, 197 candidates, their godparents, sponsors, family
and friends at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington for the Rite of
Election March 1. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge will welcome 87 catechumens and
137 candidates at the March 8 Rite of Election at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church
in Lake Ridge.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge thanked
the candidates and catechumens for saying “yes” to God and encouraged Catholics
to be a witness to those preparing to enter the church. “The church and all of
us will accompany you as you continue this journey, as you seek to grow in
knowledge of our Catholic faith but most especially as you strive to deepen
your intimate relationship with the Lord,” he said.
Catechumens from each parish then walked
up to the sanctuary and offered their names for enrollment, and Bishop Burbidge
declared them to be members of the elect. Godparents and sponsors placed their
hands on the shoulders of those preparing to enter the church at Easter as a
sign of receiving the men and women into their care. Bishop Burbidge then
prayed over the elect and the candidates.
Candidate Dwight Hayes, who attends St. Ambrose
Church in Annandale, felt grateful for God’s grace as he journeyed from non-denominational
Christianity to Anglicanism to Catholicism. “I feel God is leading me into a deeper
relationship with his son Jesus Christ,” he said.
