Nativity BVM Cathedral filled beyond capacity
for Rite of the Elect
Story and photos
BY TERRY DICKSON
BILOXI -- Every year, prospective Catholics from across the diocese gather at
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral to be greeted by the bishop.
This year, there were more candidates than seats, which is a good problem to
have.
In all, over 200 people and their sponsors attended the Rite of Election. How-
ever, not every parish in the diocese was represented at the ceremony.
Long story short, it was a good day.
“I try to remind myself that I cannot be too joyous or elated because it is a Sun-
day during Lent, which is more of a penitential season,” said Bishop Roger Morin
in greeting the assembled candidates and sponsors.
“They use to tell us in days of old that the Sundays during Lent didn’t really
count as days of Lent so that they would be happier days. And this is a very happy
occasion that gathers us together today as I celebrate with those of you who are ei-
ther preparing to enter into the Church by baptism during the Easter ceremonies or
to enter into full communion with the Church. This is really a cause for great rejoic-
ing and it gives me a very happy heart.”
During the service, RCIA coordinators from each parish presented the Catechu-
mens, those not yet baptized preparing for admission to the Sacraments, to Bishop
Morin. The bishop then signed each parish’s Book of the Elect and personally greet-
ed each Catechumen.
Bishop Morin then greeted each candidate, those already baptized preparing to
be received into Full Communion with the Church at the Easter Vigil.
Catechumens from Sacred Heart Parish, D’Iberville, led by RCIA coordinator
Sister Julia Maria Burke, RSM, who is carrying the parish’s Book of the Elect,
step forward to be greeted by Bishop Roger Morin.
Deacon Roberto Jimenez, RCIA coordinator for Sacred Heart Parish, Dedeaux,
presents the parish’s Book of the Elect to Bishop Morin. Pictured behind
Deacon Jimenez are the parish’s catechumens. Bishop Morin is flanked at left by
Cathedral rector Father Dennis Carver and, at right, by the cathedral’s parochial
vicar, Father Michael Marascalco. At far right is Father Bartosz Kunat, pastor of
Sacred Heart Parish, Dedeaux.
The bishop greets Owen Plante, candidate from St. Mary Parish, Gautier.
Gulf Pine Catholic
•
March 28, 2014
11
