While these past almost 12 months have been filled with reasons and methods to “distance” ourselves from one another, dozens of people growing in their faith recently had a chance to come closer to something.
Tag: election
Rite of Election on February 21
A catechumen in 2019 signs the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. This year’s event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 21, at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee with safety measures in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash) |
WAUNAKEE — The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21, at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee.
Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison will preside.
In this Church season of Lent, its primary purpose intensifies the time of preparation for those seeking Baptism.
Now that Lent has come upon us, it’s time to start this sacred work.
A call to join the Church
The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (no. 64), which was promulgated during the Second Vatican Council, called for a revision of several of the rituals of our Church.
Part of this included the Baptismal rites for adults and children.
In 1988, an adult ritual was promulgated called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults which is commonly called RCIA.
Since that time, some or all of the RCIA has been used in parishes throughout the world.
Moving on with God at our side
I’m in sort of an odd position as I write this piece. Today is Monday, Nov. 2, the day before Election Day.
By the time most of you read this, it’ll be a day or two or more following Election Day.
You’ll know what happened on that night better than I do right now.
I can’t predict the future as much as I wish I could.
Please vote
If you don’t know that Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 3, I am slightly jealous of you. You’ve probably missed out on some of the craziness, negativity, and frustration that has been the 2020 campaign season.
It’ll all be over soon, right?
Other than perhaps the Super Bowl, I can’t think of an event still in existence, or with its peak effect, that creates as much national attention as the day when we learn who the president will be over the next four-year term.
Voting = power and a voice
Unlike the Super Bowl, we have a say in the results of Election Day.How to vote according to our Catholic faith
Many faithful Catholics have asked me to offer some direction regarding conscience formation and the moral aspect of the many issues facing us as a nation, as we approach this year’s presidential election.
We would all agree that this election has a contentious and angry divisiveness that we have not seen in our lifetimes.
This is due, in part, to the personalities, policies, and factions in play, and it certainly has been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and social unrest (I believe that there are other, more significant and fundamental reasons for the growing tension in our society, but that’s a topic for another time).
‘Great moment of joy in our Church,’ says Bishop Hying
WAUNAKEE — Bishop Donald J. Hying said it is a “great moment of joy in our Church” as he welcomed those attending the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion held on Sunday, March 1, at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee.
“We lift all catechumens and candidates up in prayer,” said Bishop Hying.
Catechumens, candidates
This year there are 36 catechumens (those seeking the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist) and 107 candidates (those who were baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to be welcomed into the Catholic Church) in the Diocese of Madison, a total of 143.
Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion
WAUNAKEE — The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion for Candidates for Full Communion in the Catholic Church will be celebrated by the parishes of the Diocese of Madison on Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee.
Parishes from throughout the diocese will send those who will celebrate the sacraments of initiation this Easter, as well as their sponsors, family, and friends. About 500 people are expected to attend, with Bishop Donald J. Hying presiding.
‘Election’ means ‘chosen’
The word “election” is used in this liturgy to mean “chosen.”Important Wisconsin Supreme Court election to be held on April 2
To the editor:
There will be an election on April 2 in which Wisconsinites will choose a new member of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Of the two candidates, there is only one who has respect for the God-given and constitutional right to life at all stages, and the right to worship without persecution.
As most people know, abortion advocates in many states are quickly moving to have abortion legal until after the birth of the child — that is infanticide! Cases have occurred where babies born alive due to a failed abortion are denied basic care and left to die.
Vote in state-wide election on April 2
On April 2, there is a state-wide election in Wisconsin. Offices on the ballot are justice of the state Supreme Court, Court of Appeals judge (Districts 2, 3, and 4), and Circuit Court judge in several counties. There are also candidates for local offices.
State Supreme Court election
Perhaps one of the most important elections is one new justice for the state Supreme Court. This court is the highest appellate court in Wisconsin.
The court has seven justices, who are selected in nonpartisan elections for 10-year terms. The court has jurisdiction over all other Wisconsin courts and can also hear original actions.
With Supreme Court justices serving such a long term, voters should be vigilant to study where the candidates stand on the issues they value.
Responsibility to vote
As Catholics we have both a right and a responsibility to vote.
Even Pope Francis has encouraged people to be involved. “We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern,” the Holy Father said.
Vote: Voting is both a right and a responsibility
Ever since I was old enough to vote, I have always voted in every election. I think of it as both a right and a responsibility.
On November 6, we will have a midterm election. These happen every four years near the midpoint of a president’s four-year term of office.