Administrator asks at Rite of Election: 'So you want to be Catholic?'

Published: February 23, 2008

By Malea Hargett
Editor

Malea Hargett

Flo Fitch of St. James Church in Searcy and Elwood Mosley of St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Mountain Home display their parish's Book of Elect Feb. 10 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

Malea Hargett

Flo Fitch of St. James Church in Searcy and Elwood Mosley of St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Mountain Home display their parish's Book of Elect Feb. 10 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert prepared those coming into the Church at Easter with a condensed version of Catholic teachings and gave them a stern warning.

On Feb. 7, 8 and 10 the diocesan administrator led ceremonies in Fort Smith, Rogers and Little Rock for the catechumens who will be baptized and the candidates who will be received into full communion during the Easter vigil. More than 500 adults and children participated in the ceremonies with their sponsors and families.

The Rite of Election is always led by the diocesan bishop or administrator at the beginning of Lent to call forth those who are preparing for the sacraments and asking them to enter a more intensive preparation time.

"Catholics are strange people," he warned the audience Feb. 10 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. "They don't believe what the world out there believes ... You can't love what's happening in the world and really love Jesus Christ with all of your heart, soul and mind."

Msgr. Hebert touched on several topics, including the Bible, the sacraments and Mary, which could cause confusion or invite questions for new Catholics.

He encouraged new Catholics to never fear the sacrament of reconciliation.

"Don't ever be ashamed," said Msgr. Hebert, who goes to confession once a month. "We are all sinners and Jesus loves us. All Jesus wants is for us to come back ... Don't let pride, don't let the Devil get in the way of making a good confession."

He emphasized one of the Commandments: keeping holy the Sabbath.

"You go to Mass every single Sunday and every single holy day. That is a grave, moral responsibility ...," he said. "The fishing trips on Sunday morning are out. Do that after Mass."

He challenged each elect and candidate to participate in the Church fully.

"You are going to make the Church stronger," he said. "You add to the Church by your presence ... You come into the Church with both feet. You become the best Catholic around ... We do not need anymore second-class Catholics. The quota has been filled. We need first-class Catholics -- the best Catholics who ever walked the face of the earth. We can't wait to have you strange people be a part of us."