At Rite of Election, more than 300 catechumens mark milestone in faith journeys
March 9, 2025 at 9:22 p.m.
St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, was standing room only for the Diocese's Jubilee Rite of Election ceremony celebrated March 9 by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M.
Filling the 1,100-seat church, plus overflow watching the livestream in the parish hall, were more than 300 women, men and teenagers from Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties who marked a milestone in their faith journeys as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation -- Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist -- at the coming Easter Vigil. Also present were their godparents, family members and catechists.
In his homily, Bishop O'Connell emphasized that the "name we focus on today is that of Christian, Catholic Christian."
"The name Christian means 'follower of Christ,'" he said. "It is important. It is significant. It carries with it a depth of meaning and purpose and identity."
"Your name and your identity as a Catholic Christian, as with all of the baptized in the Church, draw from the person of Jesus Christ," Bishop O'Connell said.
More to come on this story.
Bishop O'Connell processes into St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral at the start of the Rite of Election ceremony March 9.
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St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, was standing room only for the Diocese's Jubilee Rite of Election ceremony celebrated March 9 by Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M.
Filling the 1,100-seat church, plus overflow watching the livestream in the parish hall, were more than 300 women, men and teenagers from Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties who marked a milestone in their faith journeys as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation -- Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist -- at the coming Easter Vigil. Also present were their godparents, family members and catechists.
In his homily, Bishop O'Connell emphasized that the "name we focus on today is that of Christian, Catholic Christian."
"The name Christian means 'follower of Christ,'" he said. "It is important. It is significant. It carries with it a depth of meaning and purpose and identity."
"Your name and your identity as a Catholic Christian, as with all of the baptized in the Church, draw from the person of Jesus Christ," Bishop O'Connell said.
More to come on this story.
Bishop O'Connell processes into St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral at the start of the Rite of Election ceremony March 9.