The 2013 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion in the Diocese concluded Sunday, February 24 with liturgies conducted in two locations. The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge celebrated the Rite at Sacred Heart Church in Pinehurst. Rev. Msgr. David D. Brockman, Vicar General of the Diocese, celebrated the Rite at St. Mark Catholic Church in Wilmington. On February 17, the Rite was conducted in Chapel Hill, Greenville and Goldsboro.
This year approximately 1,000 Catechumens and Candidates will be entering the Church at the Easter Vigil in their respective parishes. At each of the five Rites, Candidates and Catechumens were presented by the RCIA director of their parish, with the names of the Catechumens listed in the individual parish’s Book of Elect, which was signed by the Bishop.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge spoke about this historic time in the life of the Church. He requested prayers for the “Holy Spirit to lead and guide the College of Cardinals entrusted with the responsibility of electing the next Successor to Peter. Whoever that person is, no doubt, is the one ultimately chosen by the Lord Himself.”
“And being chosen is what we celebrate today!” the Bishop said. “It is true, dear catechumens: God, in His divine and mysterious plan, has chosen you to share in an eternal bond with him and His Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. It is true, dear candidates, who have been baptized, that God has chosen you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Eucharist.
“It is my hope and prayer, dear catechumens and candidates,” Bishop Burbidge concluded,” that you know of the great love that surrounds you today. We rejoice with you and support you. We walk with you in faith and in prayer.”
View photo gallery from Sacred Heart Rite
View photo gallery from St. Thomas More Rite
Read Bishop Burbidge’s homily
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Above: Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey Ingham and Diocesan Director of Divine Worship Gerard Hall at Rite of Election held at Sacred Heart Church in Pinehurst.
Above: Bishop Burbidge signing the Book of Elect of St. Patrick Church in Fayetteville presented by Rev. Msgr. Michael Shugrue, pastor of the parish.
Above: Candidates and Catechumens taking part in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, the next step in their spiritual journey.