Bishops' Schedules: Schedule of Bishop William H. Bullock Thursday, February 21, 2002 5:00 p.m. -- Host Project Andrew, Bishop's Residence, Madison Friday, February 22, 2002 10:00 a.m. -- Attend Wisconsin Catholic Conference Board Meeting, Archbishop Cousins Center, Milwaukee Saturday, February 23, 2002 5:00 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, St. Joseph Parish, Rio Sunday, February 24, 2002 1:15 p.m. -- Preside and Preach at Celebration of the Eucharist, Middle School Youth Rally, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Wednesday, February 27, 2002 7:00 p.m. -- Preside at Evening Prayer, Madison Downtown Catholic Parishes Lenten Series, St. Raphael Cathedral, Madison Thursday, February 28, 2002 3:00 p.m. -- Preside at Midday Prayer for Vocations, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison Schedule of Bishop George O. Wirz Thursday, February 21, 2002 5:00 p.m. -- Attend Project Andrew, Bishop's Residence, Madison Friday, February 22, 2002 10:00 a.m. -- Attend Wisconsin Catholic Conference Board Meeting, Archbishop Cousins Center, Milwaukee Sunday, February 24, 2002 6:30 p.m. -- Preside at Lenten Devotions and Deliver Lecture, Lenten Series, St. John the Baptist Parish, Waunakee Thursday, February 28, 2002 3:00 p.m. -- Attend Midday Prayer for Vocations, Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, Madison

Converts to Our Catholic Faith

		The Bishop: A Herald of Faith Bishop William H. Bullock

Each year on the First Sunday of Lent, we gather for the celebration of the Rite of Election. The Rite is one part of the full Rite of Initiation of Christian Adults, known more popularly by its initials R.C.I.A.

Such was our annual gathering of those who desire and are preparing for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Eucharist. They are called catechumens, a name given to those who sought entry into the Church in her early beginnings in Rome.

"As I speak with the catechumens and candidates who journey toward full participation in the Church, they speak of a new seriousness about their life, about following Christ, and their journey desiring to live deeply their life in Christ in the Catholic Church."

The Rite is also for those already baptized of other Christian faiths but who seek full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Journey in community

The Church, since Vatican II, has moved away from the individualized instruction of those persons who wish to become Catholics to a group process by which catechumens and candidates are prepared for their entry into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

At the Easter Vigil, the full realization of the many hours, weeks, and months of their journey takes place. It is a joyous occasion for the converts but also for the Church.

As I speak with the catechumens and candidates who journey toward full participation in the Church, they speak of a new seriousness about their life, about following Christ, and their journey desiring to live deeply their life in Christ in the Catholic Church.

As Bishop, I get to meet individually all catechumens and candidates at this annual Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent. It brings great joy to my life. The preparation of these persons is done by the parish community and special teams of parishioners who explain, train, and witness to what it is to be Catholic.

Ever ancient, ever new

The Rite itself is ancient and has been restored beautifully in our day. It has always been a special gift to the Church, and the United States Bishops have mandated its use in the United States in every parish. We have used it here in the Diocese of Madison since Bishop O'Donnell's time as Bishop.

Its spiritual success depends in large measure on the healthy balance among the participants, such as the sponsors, the candidates themselves, priests, catechists, and other parishioners working together as a team. All are called on this journey to listen to God's Word, respond to God's Word, and share the goodness of God's Word with others.

Know your Catholic faith

In my remarks each year to the hundreds assembled, I draw their attention to resource books with which they should be acquainted and use as Catholics.

They are:

1) The Bible -- Old and New Testaments;

2) The Catechism of the Catholic Church -- this book of teaching contains four aspects: a) what we believe; b) what we celebrate in Eucharist and Sacraments as a result of what we believe; c) the principles of our moral life based in Scripture and Church teaching; d) The Prayer Life of the Church;

3) The Documents of Vatican II -- a summary of all the Council teachings on the Church from Liturgy to Ecumenism;

4) The Code of Church Law which outlines the order and rights of Catholics.

The Rite itself highlights the interaction of the sponsors, of the candidates, their spouses, their friends, their relatives, their team members, and their parish priest. Here is one sample from the Rite that speaks to their spiritual journey.

Listen, respond, share

The Bishop begins by saying: "God's holy Church wishes to know whether these catechumens are sufficiently prepared to be enrolled among the elect for the coming celebration of Easter. Have they faithfully listened to God's word proclaimed by the Church? Have they responded to that word and begun to walk in God's presence? Have they shared the company of their Christian brothers and sisters and joined with them in prayer?"

Turning then to the full assembly the Bishop asks the support of all. "And now I speak to you, my brothers and sisters in this assembly: Are you ready to support the testimony expressed about these catechumens and include them in your prayer and affection as we move toward Easter?"

The Rite is renewing for all of us and places special attention on the person of Christ and on His community of believers, the Church. God is blessing us with many new members who will enrich us with their talents and gifts. Please pray for all catechumens and candidates as they journey through these days of Lent to Easter.

Official Appointment:

Most Reverend William H. Bullock, Bishop of Madison, wishes to announce the following appointment:

Rev. William H. Hower, Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Edgerton, as Chaplain, Knights of Columbus Council 6508, Edgerton, for a term ending January 31, 2003.

Msgr. Paul J. Swain
Vicar General