All Diocesan Articles

Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens on First Sunday of Lent

Posted on March 09, 2025 in: News, Lent

Rite of Election Welcomes Catechumens on First Sunday of Lent

On Sunday, March 9, the First Sunday of Lent, the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich was filled with faith and anticipation as catechumens from across the diocese gathered for the Rite of Election. This significant step in their journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church marks their formal enrollment in the Book of the Elect, bringing them one step closer to the Easter sacraments.

With our diocese still awaiting the appointment of a new bishop, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Hartford presided over the celebration, offering words of encouragement to those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil. In his homily, he reflected on the Lenten journey and the call to deeper conversion, saying:

"We are gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ, confident that the words of Saint Paul are true: 'No one that believes in Him will be put to shame.' Christ, the eternal Word, is very near to us . . . We are simply responding to a gift, a call, a grace that moves us from above and from within. Our response, however, is far from complete. We need the journey of Lent to draw us ever nearer, to open our eyes. Lent is the season of eye-opening. It’s a season of renewed conversion, of repentance."

The readings of the day resonated deeply with the occasion. In Romans (10:8-13), Saint Paul teaches that salvation is for all who believe and profess faith in Jesus Christ. This truth was joyfully affirmed as the catechumens, accompanied by their sponsors and godparents, stood before the Church to declare their readiness to be received into full communion with the Body of Christ. The Gospel of Luke (4:1-13), recounting Jesus' time of trial in the desert, served as a reminder that just as Christ remained steadfast in the face of temptation, the elect too are called to trust in God’s word as they journey toward the waters of baptism.

As Lent continues, let us keep the elect in our prayers, that they may remain faithful to the call of the Lord and find strength in His word. May this sacred season prepare all of us to renew our own baptismal promises with hearts made new in Christ.

FCC Newsdesk

Photos by Catherine Hoffman
Video by The Communications Office

Click Image above for the Photo-Gallery

 

 

 

Bookmark the link below and visit it often as you observe the wonderful season of Lent! 
Feel free to share this link on social media.

NorwichDiocese.org/Lent


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

'Peace be with all of you': Pope Leo XIV Greets the Faithful and the World, Invoking Peace
Pope Leo XIV greeted the city of Rome and the world with these words at his first appearance as the Successor of Peter from the Central Loggia of St Peter's Basilica: Greetings to Rome and to the world Peace be with you! Dearest brothers and sisters, this was the first greeting of the risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave His life for the flock of God. I, too, would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you. This is the peace of the Ris...

Read More

Watch the 2025 Chrism Mass and Homily by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne
The 2025 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 16th, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week. This special Mass featured the blessing of the holy oils—used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders—and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy of the Diocese. We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especiall...

Read More

Photos & Video: The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy Ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich
The Most Reverend Richard F. Reidy was ordained as the Sixth Bishop of Norwich, Connecticut at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick. The gathering filled the cathedral for the Mass of Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Reidy, who comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he was vicar general. Pope Francis appointed Reidy as Sixth Bishop of Norwich in February.   Click here to see a photo gallery of the Ordination   Click here for more information about Bishop Reidy   Video of the compl...

Read More

Faithful Invited to Witness a Joyous Moment in Diocesan History — Parish Tickets and Livestream Offered
The Diocese of Norwich joyfully awaits the ordination and installation of Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy as the sixth bishop of Norwich, to be held on Tuesday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Due to the limited capacity of the Cathedral, each parish in the diocese has received an allotment of just four tickets per church to distribute. Anyone interested in attending in person must contact their parish office directly. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate ticket requests through the diocesan office. The ordination and installati...

Read More

Celebrating Our Faithful Servants: Priestly Jubilees of 2025
With gratitude and joy, the Diocese of Norwich extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the priests celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination to the sacred priesthood in 2025. These dedicated men have faithfully answered God’s call, each offering years of devoted service to Christ and His Church. Celebrating 65 years of priesthood are Reverend Paul F. Ramen (ordained February 2, 1960) and Reverend John E. Welch, M.S. (May 28, 1960), whose lifetime of ministry continues to inspire. Marking 60 years, Monsignor James Carini (May ...

Read More

Who Were the Cardinals Who Chose the New Pope?
Cardinals participate in the fifth Novendiales Mass for Pope Francis on April 30, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA   Members of the College of Cardinals gathered in Rome in anticipation of the subsequent election of Pope Francis’ successor, Leo XIV.  There are currently 252 cardinals, 133 of whom are eligible and expected to vote in the conclave. They range in age from 45 to 99.  Pope Francis chose 149 of the current members of the college, most of whom helped choose his successor as cardinal el...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Richard F. Reidy
Click to view album: Students Called to Feed the Hungry
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294