The Catholic Sun :: Phoenix Diocesan Newspaper

A member of St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, Mortz got a glimpse of the universal Church he is joining during the Feb. 10 Rite of Election at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral.

The St. Gabriel community recognized Mortz and his fellow catechumens and candidates at a ceremony that morning. But gathering with all the catechumens preparing for baptism into the Church throughout the Phoenix Diocese offered something more.

“To be welcomed into the diocese was very nice,” he said. “Also, to get to meet Bishop [Thomas J.] Olmsted personally was great.”

The bishop led the celebration of the rite and was pleased to see so many catechumens who will be baptized on Easter.

“The Rite of Election is one of the most moving and gratifying events in the life of a bishop,” Bishop Olmsted said. “It is also a vital moment in the life of each catechumen whose own discernment of God’s call is formally ratified and celebrated.”

The enthusiasm of the new converts to Catholicism “who are so deeply grateful for the gift of faith and eager to put that faith into practice” brought the bishop great joy, he said.

After readings and the words from the bishop, each parish in the Phoenix Diocese came forward individually with their Book of Elect, which contains the names of the catechumens.

The bishop signed each book — changing the status of those seeking baptism into the Catholic Church from catechumens to the elect — ready to receive the sacraments of initiation at Easter.

Universality of Church

The Rite of Election is “the formal end of the formation phase of initiation and begins the final preparation phase of purification and enlightenment that is marked by prayer and fasting,” said Sr. Ginger Downey, OLVM, interim director of the diocesan Office of Worship.

She enjoyed watching “the excitement of the catechumens when they realize they are only one of many who are going through this process.”

Sr. Ginger always appreciates “the universality of the Church” at the Rite of Election. “The many faces that are from the diversity of cultures make me smile,” she said.

Deacon Sidney Martin, a Native American who works as the St. Peter Parish life coordinator in Sacaton, taught catechumens and candidates for their upcoming participation in the sacraments.

“I think it is especially important for the Natives to come to the cathedral,” Deacon Martin said. “Most of them have never been here before so it’s a great chance to come to the cathedral, to see what it looks like and also to see the bishop is really an honor.”

For anybody considering joining the Church, the deacon recommends attending Mass as much as possible and “really getting to know some of the parishioners — really get to be part of the family, the Church.”

Mortz agreed and insisted he would recommend the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults to everyone.

“The whole journey has been great,” Mortz said. “It’s something new everyday.”

Even Mortz’s sponsor, Dorothy Parker, grew a great deal.

“It’s been a learning experience for me, a cradle Catholic,” Parker said. “I have still learned a lot and have been greatly inspired by it.”