Diana and John Grimsley were among about 50 future Catholics who gathered at St. Theresa Church in Ashburn March 5 for the Rite of Election, one of the major liturgical steps on their journey to being baptized this Easter.
The Grimsleys, who attend St. Timothy Church in Chantilly, have known each other since high school and both built successful careers, he as a physician and she in wealth management, while building a family. But they were both working so much that they had no time to enjoy each other or their four children, Henry, 8; Molly, 5; Emma, 4; and Owen, 7 months.
“We were going a million miles an hour in different directions,” said Diana, 37, whose Albanian parents taught her that success was about getting an education, working hard and gaining financial independence. “I got to where I thought I needed to be for happiness, but I wasn’t happy. It didn’t feel right, and I thought ‘this can’t be success.’ ”
John, 38, said his family was Methodist, but he was never baptized, and his connection with church “faded out in college.” But studying medicine, he always thought “there must be something more. Where did life come from? How does it all come together so perfectly? I don’t see how that’s possible without a creator.”
While looking for a new school for their kids, they toured St. Timothy’s, near their home. Diana said they thought, “Wow, what a beautiful place this is.” When their application was accepted, they began learning more about Catholicism, and thinking about lifestyle changes that could support their family values. Last fall, John and Diana quit their jobs and started a small direct primary care medical practice, where they now work together. “Ever since we found this school and community, it’s all clicking. This is what we’ve been searching for,” Diana said.
John agreed. “We notice how much joy we have, our relationships are better, how at peace we are. As we follow this path that God has laid out for us, I think we are doing what we were called to do. The Lord has been preparing us for the last 15 years.”
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge spoke to catechumens (those preparing for baptism) at St. Theresa, as he had at an earlier Rite of Election Feb. 26 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington. A total of 157 from 36 parishes were registered to attend one of the two rites. That’s about the same as in 2022, when 161 catechumens from 35 parishes attended.
“Dear catechumens, if I asked you to tell me your stories, I’m sure they would vary greatly, but all would be amazing and inspiring, and reflect the fact that God is at work in your life. What they all have in common is that you are here today as part of God’s mysterious plan. He has chosen you — and with his grace and the support of those who love you, you have said yes.
“As you continue this journey, I hope this day will remind you that you are not traveling alone. We, your family, friends, sponsors and godparents, are blessed to be accompanying you as you grow in your knowledge of the Catholic faith and develop a deeper and more intimate friendship with Our Lord.”
The Rite of Election is the point at which the catechumens become known as “the elect.” Each parish has a Book of the Elect, in which catechumens have written their names. The book is taken to the rite, and when the catechumens from each parish are called forward, the book is presented for the bishop’s signature.
Juliette Wickman of St. Francis de Sales Church in Purcellville was among catechumens at the Feb. 26 rite at the cathedral. “It has been a long journey,” she said, noting that she has been married to her husband and sponsor, Chris Wickman, a lifelong Catholic, for 34 years and has attended Mass with him. She finally decided “to take the leap” and join the church “because of some peace I needed,” she said.
Bishop Burbidge said sponsors have “a great responsibility to join in their progress and witness how we live and practice our faith, without compromise and no matter the cost.” He noted that it’s not always easy for Christians to practice their faith “in a world that in so many ways rejects our faith.”
“So don’t try to do it alone,” he said, but stay close to Jesus, “the one who has chosen you, and remain in his love. You will always find the grace and strength to be courageous and persevere with him, and you will bear much fruit.”
At one point during the rite, sponsors placed a supportive hand on their catechumen’s shoulder.
“My hope is that you are convinced of the love and prayers and support that surround you as you make this joyful journey toward Easter,” Bishop Burbidge said. “May God bless you and watch over you at this special time in your life.”
