RCIA Candidates Ready for Easter Ceremony

By Greg Morelli, director, RCIA

What an awesome day it was today, Sunday March 5. St. Mary’s "sent" five Candidates to St. Paul's Cathedral in Worcester to be recognized by Bishop McManus for the progress they have made in their preparation to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Celebrating the Rite of Sending at the 11 Mass, the Candidates' sponsors' testified to the Candidates' readiness to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Then the community affirmed that readiness and their willingness to support the Candidates in faith, prayer and example.

At the Cathedral, our five Candidates - Nathan Carr, Leslie Fristoe, Jeffrey Lane, Adrienne Podmore and Robert Sowden – were joined by all the Catechumens (those to be baptized at Easter) and Candidates from the entire diocese of Worcester to celebrate the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. Once again the sponsors testified to, and the entire community affirmed, the Candidates readiness to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. Bishop McManus then recognized their desire to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and to have a place at Christ's Eucharistic table. He invited them to join us this Lent in a spirit of repentance and hear the Lord's call to conversion and be faithful to their baptismal covenant. Bishop McManus then greeted each Candidate personally.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us keep these Candidates in our prayers as they prepare to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 15. The RCIA will be attending Mass as a group each weekend during Lent. If you see us, please acknowledge the Candidates progress and the example they set for all of us to continue our own personal journeys with Christ.

At the Easter Vigil the Candidates will enter into full communion of the Catholic Church. It is a wonderful celebration and I invite you all to join us. Your heart will be filled with the joy of the Risen Christ!