By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor

It’s important to remember that ours is a God of never-ending love, compassion and mercy even when we are sinners who often fail to follow in his ways.

Such was the message heard by nearly 230 women and men who serve and participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in parishes throughout the Diocese as they gathered for a Lenten retreat March 25 on the campus of Holy Family Church, Lakewood.

Using the theme of “Christ Calls the Sinner,” the bilingual retreat, which was hosted by the diocesan Department of Catechesis, offered those who are preparing to complete their Sacraments of Initiation at the coming Easter Vigil – R.C.I.A. elect and candidates – as well as their sponsors and team members, an opportunity to reflect on sin and forgiveness. Through prayer experiences and meditation, the gathering focused primarily on two Scripture passages – Mark 2:13-17, “The Call of the Levi,” and Luke 23:39-46, “The Crucifixion,” and addressed questions such as, “Have we asked for God to give us the wisdom to see our sins?” “What word, phrase or idea lingers with you as you reflect on the passage of Jesus on the Cross?” and “What do we have to do to be forgiven?” 

“We need to be mindful of our sinfulness, yet the overriding mission is about forgiveness,” said Vincentian Father Martin McGeough, diocesan coordinator of jail and prison ministry, who led presentations for the English-speaking participants. 

Those Jesus called to be his followers “were not perfect,” said Father McGeough. “They needed forgiveness; we all need forgiveness as we continue to follow him and do what he asks us to do.”

 Father Jorge Bedoya, parochial vicar of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, presented the Spanish-speaking sessions. There was also a separate session, complete with a video, story time and drawing colorful pictures, for the young children in attendance, which was led by Jen Schlameuss-Perry, pastoral associate in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, and Georgia Charles, R.C.I.A. coordinator in Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly.

The retreat concluded in Holy Family Church with Father McGeough presiding over a prayer service that included Veneration of the Cross. As the music ministry led in the singing of “Jesus, Remember Me,” each participant was invited to come forward and either kiss or gently place their hand on the Crucifix.

At day’s end, Kyle Florez, an R.C.I.A. candidate from Visitation Parish, Brick, remarked on the “overwhelming” sense of community he felt throughout the retreat, and was especially moved to meet other elect and candidates from around the Diocese who were on similar faith journeys.

“There’s a diverse group of people here, but we are similar in that we want to become Catholic,” he said.