Record numbers of catechumens declare intent to become Catholic (Photos)
March 8 and 9 proved to be days of great celebration in the Archdiocese of Newark as catechumens and candidates wishing to enter the Catholic Church were welcomed at four solemn yet joyful rites in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Hundreds from parishes across the archdiocese, including university students and cadets from the United States Military Academy, came to affirm their desire to enter full communion with the Church this Easter.
At the Sunday afternoon service, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, noted the large number of participants, underscoring the local faith community’s excitement and gratitude:
“Yesterday this cathedral was filled twice, and today that will be repeated. I mention that because the archdiocese is humbled this year to welcome 1,300 adults, either as candidates or as catechumens to be fully initiated into the Body of Christ.”
Father Armand Mantia, Archdiocesan Director of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, called the record-setting turnout “the largest number of participants the archdiocese has had in many, many years.” He attributed the growth to the work of the Holy Spirit. “God is calling, and people are answering,” he said.
“A remarkable sign of growth”
The two Saturday rites, the Calling of Candidates to Continuing Conversion, were celebrated for candidates who had already been baptized, but who had not yet been fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
On Sunday, hundreds of catechumens were joined by family and friends to express their desire to enter the Body of Christ in the Rite of Election. Having participated in formation programs involving an extensive period of study, discernment, and prayer, they were ready to take their next step.
In his homily, Cardinal Tobin said the occasion was “a remarkable sign of growth,” noting that the catechumens would “become known as the elect, as the chosen, as they affirm their intention to follow Jesus into the community of the Church and be recognized.”
He reminded everyone that the journey was not quite over. “You begin the final period of purification and enlightenment before you join us at the Easter sacrifice. There’s a bit of the path still ahead of you.” He invited all present to remain prayerful and supportive as the catechumens continued a Lenten period of “self-searching, repentance, and commitment,” taking their “final steps into a new life.”
After the candidates and catechumens were each called by name and presented to Cardinal Tobin, sponsors and godparents affirmed that those they had been guiding were sincere and serious. The Cardinal declared the catechumens participating in the Rite of Election to be “members of the Elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil.”
The catechumens then inscribed their names in the Book of the Elect from their parish and processed to the sanctuary for a moment of prayer.
Joy and amazement
For many, the experience was deeply moving. Among the catechumens on Sunday was Robyn, who said that for her, the rite was a moment of “acceptance, support, and goodwill for us to continue our journey of faith.” She was surprised at the number of other catechumens filling the cathedral with their families and friends. “I didn’t realize there were so many others,” she said. “It’s pretty amazing.”
Julio, a catechumen in his 60s, said that he felt “great” after signing his name in the Book of the Elect. “It’s one step forward to being baptized.” He then added with a smile, “This is something that I should have done a long time ago, but it’s never too late!”
As the Easter Vigil approaches, the catechumens and candidates will continue their spiritual preparation, eagerly awaiting the moment they are fully welcomed into the Church.
Click on the links to view the full photo galleries of the Rite of the Call to Continuing Conversion and the Rite of Election.
Featured image: Catechumens process to the sanctuary of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on March 9, 2025. (Photos by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera)
