Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J., gave a bilingual homily during the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of Saint John The Baptist in Paterson, N.J., on March 9, 2025.
The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors, and their families gather at the cathedral church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book, and they are called the Elect.
“We call upon the Spirit today to be with you on your journey as you look forward to that moment at Easter. Maybe some in the Easter season at Pentecost. Many young people throughout our Diocese will be receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit,” Bishop Sweeney said. “We are a pilgrim people. We are the Church of God, a family of believers. Welcome to this family, disciples of the Lord, united in one Spirit, ignited by a fire still burning through the ages, still present in our lives. Come Holy Ghost.”
