Because of the geographical size of our diocese, our bishop celebrates the Rite of Election in two places. Today (Saturday)it was in our neck of the woods in Warner Robins, Georgia. The western half of the diocese joined the bishop for this rite which normally occurs on the First Sunday of Lent. It will at our Cathedral in Savannah on Sunday at 3:00 PM. The Cathedral will be jammed packed.
For our side of the diocese, we had the largest number of catechumens and candidates ever.
Last Sunday at St. Joseph Church, we celebrated the Rite of Sending to our bishop. It was a very moving celebration, especially watching the young, very young and the old sign their names in the Book of the Elect.
St. Joseph Church has the largest number of catechumens in a long time in fact this is the largest number I've ever had as a parish priest. The Easter Vigil will be longer but very dramatic and inspiring.
Please pray for our catechumens, now the elect, and our candidates (those already baptized).
The Elect from Saint Joseph Church, Macon,(unbaptized):
1. Lisa Arnold
2. Brandy Arthur
3. Christopher Beasley
4. Barry Butcher
5. Jason Cheyney
6. Camille Johnson
7. Kenneth Johnson
8. Joey Pinholster
9. Kelly Richey
10. Skylar Richey
11. Helen Stafford
12. Ben Yoder
13. Patricia Huff
14. Lucious Huff
plus two children
Candidates (already baptized)
1. Chris Bahneman
2. Jim Branam
3. Tara Butcher
4. Kim Dalton
5. Katlynn Gauthier
6. Missy Payne
7. Chris Lumpkin
8. Syozzia Moore
9. Elizabeth Pullen
10. Jane Tazifor
11. Blade Thompson
12. Derek Uebel
13. Cody Varner
14. Kayli Varner
16 comments:
The fold is increasing! Praise the Lord!!
Pray for the our new Bishop and for the Holy Spirit to guide us in how best to welcome him to this Diocese.
The list you provided, is that from St. Joseph or from the whole western half of the diocese?
The saddest part about Sacred Heart is the tabernacle hidden to the side room on the right. If anything, this is a step backwards toward placing Christ at the center of our Faith. And the fact that there are no books for the readings, that baffles me.
I am saddened by the uncharitable comments about Sacred Heart. One may dislike the architecture of a church and voice it without being uncharitable. Remember... ubi caritas et amor Deus ibi est.
As comments come in rather quickly, some that are too negative get by me. As I have said numerous times, we should be tempered in our comments about personal tastes. I've deleted those comments that some might find offensive, especially those who love their parish Church and pastors!
Is humor, hyperbole and satire necessarily uncharitable?
I've been a member of more than one parish that had ugly architecture. Saying so does not mean one hates the Church or its members. Methinks we are getting a bit too sensitive.
For my part I am sorry if my comments gave offense Father Migone, they were not meant to be uncharitable.
I do not feel censorship is in order on this post; a debate about Traditional versus Contemporary Church Architecture shouldn't be taken personally.
Normally I would feel the same, however I am the brother priest of the pastor who built this and liturgically is is very correct. From the perspective of taste however, we can differ, but we must be charitable. Msgr. Nijem and his parish community should be commended on building a Church building that will meet the liturgical needs of his parish for years to come.
Since we are not allowed to comment on the parishes built by any priests in this diocese, can you do a general post about church architecture in America, where we can speak freely?
Was Jesus a naughty boy at Sacred Heart and other contemporary Catholic worship spaces that they put Him in the corner (or hidden in a side room on the right)?
If one truly believes that Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, is truly present in the Eucharist, then the tabernacle should be placed in the center or at the focal point of the church building and not hidden away.
Beth, the list of names provided is just for Saint Joseph Church in Macon.
What's the point of the Rite of Election?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is primarily for those who have never been baptized. They go through various stages of catechesis and Catholic formation and once they and the Church feel they are ready, they enter a new phase. The Rite of Welcome makes them members of the Church but not in full communion--they are then called catechumens. The Rite of Election is the bishop's acknowledgement of them and his willingness to receive them into the Church thus linking them to the bishop who is the chief pastor or shepherd of the diocesan Church. The six weeks of Lent then become like a spiritual retreat where through fasting, prayer and alms giving they prepare for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil--Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The 3, 4 and 5 Sundays of Lent they experience what is called the Scruntinies which are minor exorcisms to ask God to purify them of any and all evil.
Muchas Gracias Father Pablo Migone for the slap on the wrist...we certainly need that on occasion.
Never did I mean any disrespect toward you or Msgr. Nijem, not even indirectly. My sincere apoligies.
BTW: This deanery is vey blessed and fortunate to have you.
I think I need a Scrutiniy also.
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