Nearly 250 people preparing to enter the Church at diocesan parishes this year gathered at St. Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre, and St. Joseph Church, Ronkonkoma, last Sunday, February 22, to participate in the Rite of Election. This special liturgy, celebrated in cathedrals and churches around the world on the first Sunday of Lent, formally acknowledges the readiness of catechumens preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation — baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist — at the Easter Vigil. Bishop William Murphy presided at both ceremonies, at St. Joseph’s in the afternoon and at St. Agnes in the evening. See below for photos from St. Joseph. Photos by Gregory A. Shemitz
Bishop Murphy prays at the beginning of the service.
Cantor Susan Hugelmeyer leads the singing of the responsorial psalm.
Deacon William Dobbins uses incense before proclaiming the Gospel.
Catechumens from Resurrection Church, Farmingville, are presented to Bishop Murphy.
Maggie Martin, director of religious education at St. John of God Church, Central Islip, presents the catechumens from her parish to Bishop Murphy.
Bishop Murphy greets a catechumen.
Catechumen Jack Michael Tarantino of Infant Jesus Parish, Port Jefferson, signs the Book of the Elect.with his wife and sponsor, Peggy by his side.
Catechumen Marvin Maldonado of St. Luke Parish, Brentwood, with Deacon Orlando Mancilla, signs the Book of the Elect.
Bishop Murphy prays over the catechumens.
Catechumens stand in the sanctuary as Bishop Murphy prays over them.
Members of the diocesan choir sing.
Catechumens, their sponsors and catechists sing at the end of the liturgy.
Bishop Murphy thanks everyone whose efforts contributed to the beautiful atmosphere of the service.
