The Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington filled with
candidates and catechumens Feb. 18 for the Rite of Election. There were 198
catechumens and 290 candidates from 32 parishes.
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge presided as the candidates and
catechumens declared their intentions and commitment to the church. The Book of
the Elect was brought forth by catechumens from each parish.
The participants have varied reasons for wanting to enter
more fully into the Catholic Church. Candidate Lyndon Diaz, who will enter at St.
James Church in Falls Church, said he is joining to deepen his faith. “My mom
is someone who really wanted me to become fully involved in the Catholic Church
and she recently passed away,” he said.
Lacinda Coughlin, a candidate of St. Joseph Church in
Herndon, said it was a long process to decide. After having a child, “I came to
the realization of how important it was to be solid in my faith and to pass
that on,” she said.
For some, the journey begins with an invitation. Taylor
Johnson is a catechumen joining St. John Neumann Church in Reston. “I grew up
Christian and I was first invited by a friend to attend Mass,” she said. “I saw
people living God’s word and sharing Jesus’ love and I was very drawn to that.”
The second Rite of Election ceremony will be Feb. 25 at St.
Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Woodbridge at 2:30 p.m.