As we celebrate this year of mercy I can't help but think about forgiveness! Something which is so difficult for many of us to do but so necessary for the followers of Jesus. Over and over again we here Jesus speak to us about forgiveness. In the Lords Prayer we here hear Jesus say that we must forgive the sins of others if we want God to forgive us. “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Jesus goes on to say quite directly that if we do not forgive others than God will not forgive us either! So forgiveness is necessary for the disciple of Jesus!

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The forty days of Lent in the Catholic tradition revolve around the three pillars of fasting, prayer, and alms giving. Because these all require a bit of sacrifice on our part, it is often difficult to get excited about the Lenten season. Many actually begin the season of Lent with a huge Mardi Gras celebration in “preparation” for the sacrifices ahead. What I am proposing today is a purposeful shift in your perspective on Lent that could actually change your outlook. Instead of emphasizing the sacrifices we are making, we should focus on the LOVE that inspires it!

During the Lenten season we retell the story of God’s love for us. We remember the passion and death of Jesus and the fact that He loves us so much He was willing to suffer and die for us. The main thing we are called to do in return is to love Him back. The three pillars of fasting, prayer and alms giving are specific “acts of love” that we can engage in to show God that we do indeed love Him back!

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During Lent our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) candidates participate in important ceremonies that bring them ever closer to realizing their Catholic dream. This is the time when the unbaptized catechumens and previously baptized candidates enter into immediate preparation for the Easter sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. This period focuses on purification and enlightenment, and is characterized by deep prayer and turning away from sin.

To highlight this important formation, the Church gives us specific rites (public ceremonies) to mark the progress of the candidates. Those already baptized will participate in the Penitential Rite on February 21 at the 11am Mass. The community is lead by the priest in prayer for the candidates and their deliverance from evil. For the unbaptized catechumens, Lent is abundant with rites. 

The Rite of Election is the first ceremony when, based on the declaration of their sponsors, the catechumens receive a change of status in the Church. No longer are they catechumens (receiving intensive catechetical instruction); they are now “elect”, affirmed by the Bishop to receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist). This ceremony takes place in two parts. The first is a “sending forth” from our community that will occur at the 11am Mass on February 14. The second part is the actual Rite of Election, later that afternoon, presided over by Bishop Olmsted at the Saint Simon and Jude Cathedral. This ceremony includes catechumens from all around the Diocese of Phoenix. 

Finally, a version of a Penitential Rite called Scrutinies, will be offered for three consecutive Sundays (2/28, 3/6 and 3/13) at the 11 am mass at STA. The Elect will be held up for public prayer so that they can be released from the power of evil.

 

We ask that you keep our catechumens and candidates in your prayers during this important time, as they prepare to be fully initiated into the Church, the living body of Christ, at the Easter Vigil Mass.

In Christ,
Eric Westby
Director of Catechesis