FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT RITE OF ELECTION

                The Season of Lent has begun. For us it is a time of repentance and renewal. For others among us it is a time also of the preparation for the sacraments to be celebrated at Easter.

                On the First Sunday of Lent, the Church celebrates the Rite of Election, also known as the Enrollment of Names. With the Rite of Election, those who have been preparing to be Baptized, Confirmed and celebrate the Eucharist, enter more deeply into their spiritual preparation for the Sacraments. This is a time of purification and enlightenment, which takes place during Lent.

                The Rite celebrates the choice of those who wish to be admitted to the Easter Sacraments. The Bishop himself, as the Head of the local Church, presides at the Rite of Election. During the Rite, the Bishop declares the approval of the candidates after they are presented and examined by him.

                This Sunday, February 18th at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral, Bishop Malone will celebrate the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates for those who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation this Easter throughout the Diocese of Buffalo. We are happy to present to our Bishop Sunday afternoon from St. Louis two candidates for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. We show them our prayerful support in our Parish Celebration for Sending Catechumens for Election. Our parish celebration of sending takes place at our Sunday 11:00 Mass this First Sunday of Lent.

                We present to the Bishop those who will receive the Sacrament of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil March 31st: Lu Yang and Kailene Jones.

                Please pray for them as they continue their journey to our faith.