The Diocese of Saginaw rejoiced as approximately 180 individuals entered into full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, marking an increase from previous years.

After responding to the Holy Spirit’s call to explore the Faith more deeply in recent months or even years, candidates (those who have been baptized) and catechumens (those who have not been baptized) entered a final period of spiritual formation during Lent before receiving the Easter sacraments.

The faithful from parishes throughout the diocese gathered at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw on March 9 and 16 for the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. This rite includes the testimony of godparents and sponsors that catechumens and candidates are ready for the sacraments and an invitation to all present to continue to support the catechumens and candidates as they continue to conform their lives to that of Jesus.

Those not yet baptized were invited to sign their names in the Book of the Elect and, along with the candidates, they were presented to Bishop Robert Gruss. After this rite, all catechumens entering the Church are referred to as the Elect.

The journey of the Elect culminated at the Easter Vigil, where they received the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation and joined the candidates, along with all the faithful, in receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. The Easter Vigil, celebrated on Holy Saturday night, is a pivotal moment in the liturgical year, marking the transition from darkness to light, death to life and the Resurrection of Jesus. Receiving the sacraments of initiation at this time is a powerful way for the Elect to participate in this mystery as they become part of the Church.