38 catechumens officially “elected”at the Rite of Election in Penampang Parish
PENAMPANG – Penampang Parish witnessed 38 adult individuals embracing the Catholic faith after attending the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults classes for over a year, and entering into the final phase of their preparation to receive the sacraments of initiation at the Rite of Election ceremony.The rite was celebrated by parish priest, Fr Wilfred Atin at St Michael’s Church here.
Fr Atin exhorted the catechumens to be persistent and constant in inculcating the practice of using every instrument available in faith formation to counter the challenges in their catechumenate process so as to prepare them to receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Communion and Confirmation at Easter.
He underlined that human desires are often regarded as the main stumbling blocks towards building up a strong faith foundation. He called on the candidates to turn to God daily for His guidance.
After the Rite of Election, the catechumens will undergo three Scrutinies to be held at two main churches in this parish. At St Michael’s Church, 22 candidates comprising Penampang(20),Minintod(1) and SukangMabpai(1) will go through the process, while the process for 16 candidates coming from Kinarut(13) and Labak(3) will take place at St Augustine’s Church Kinarut. The dates for the Scrutinies are scheduled on Mar 20, Mar 27 and Apr 4.
.
Traditionally, the Rite of Election takes place before the KK prelate, Archbishop John Wong at Sacred Heart Cathedral. As the SOP restricting huge numbers is still in force, the Archdiocese decided to forgo the tradition and instead the rite would be celebrated at individual parishes for their respective candidates. – JJ/SoccomPenampang.
