RCIA Lenten Rites

Posted on by All News & Events

Lent is a special time for those in RCIA – the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a time when our catechumens and candidates learn and live out the Christian faith and are sanctified by sacred rites. These rites are celebrated with the parish community, which lends them encouragement as they prepare to join the Catholic  Church.

On March 5, 2023, the Rite of Continuing Conversion was celebrated by Bishop Paul Sanchez. It is the final step for candidates who are baptized before they come into full communion with the Catholic Church and receive First Communion and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.

Candidates, sponsors, and RCIA team members, from left: Bernie Zablucki (sponsor), Doug Wellbrock (team), Mark Wilensky (candidate), Chris Russo (sponsor and team), Dorian Holden (candidate), Bishop Sanchez, Jane Gazdag (candidate), Tom Gazdag (sponsor), Sade Jennings (candidate), Lorna Brissett (sponsor), Veronica McCarthy (team), Anton Dedushi (candidate), Rok Vukel (sponsor).

On February 26, 2023, the First Sunday of Lent, the Rite of Election was celebrated by the Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Brooklyn/Queens at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston. The rite brings our catechumens closer to baptism and changes their status to those chosen, or elected, to join the Catholic Church.

From left: Doug Wellbrock (team), Veronica McCarthy (team), Shereen Beydoun (sponsor), Sakura Nakamaru (catechumen, now elect), Bishop Brennan, Vincent Nguyen (catechumen, now elect), and Vivian Chu (Vincent’s fiancee and stand-in for his sponsor).