Elect hear call to sacramental life in Church at respective parishes

Despite the ever-continuing cacophony of pandemic precautions, technological mastery, remote learning challenges and the need for social distancing, scores of individuals in the diocese decided to heed God’s invitation to take the next step along their path towards Christ this Lent.

Some 66 men, women and young adults from 21 parishes of the diocese marked a milestone in their Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) journey to become part of the group of believers known as the Elect, participating in a Rite of Election in their parishes Feb. 21, the First Sunday of Lent.

The Rite of Election in the diocese is traditionally celebrated each year by Bishop James F. Checchio at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, during which catechumens publicly declare their intention to become fully initiated in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil with the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first holy Communion. At their formal declaration, they are known as the Elect. This year, because of pandemic restrictions, Bishop Checchio decreed the Rite of Election should be celebrated on the parish level.

Sara Sharlow, director, diocesan Office of RCIA, expressed her gratitude for parish catechetical leaders open to adapting their programs for the pandemic, and those catechumens eager to continue their education despite these new challenges. She explained, “It is my sense that God calls people all the time. When someone starts RCIA, they have heard the call and are anxious to go forward with it, to respond to God’s call.”

A number of parishes happily shared their preparations for the momentous day.

St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington: The Book of the Elect was signed during a parish livestream Mass on the first Sunday of Lent. Father Matthew Marinelli, parochial vicar, presided, and Father Kenneth D. Brighenti, pastor, performed the Rite of Election.

Parish RCIA leader Dolores Wright said, “We had both in-person instruction and Zoom for those who were more comfortable at home. The learning and participation factors were not stripped down, but the usual hospitality and parish service was limited [because of the pandemic].

“We regretted it was not held at the Cathedral, which is such an inspired ceremony and gives the sense of the universality of the Church, but we did what we had to do. God gave us [the pandemic]. We have to work through it.”

St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, South River: “Overall, it has turned out to be a rather rewarding experience,” stated parish catechetical leader Rosemary Eckert. In addition to individuals preparing for their confirmation, an entire family unit in need of baptism came to the religious instruction program.

“Several of the children had learning difficulties,” Eckert continued. “Fortunately, the father and godparents were very helpful with reinforcing the material discussed.

“Almost everything was presented orally, [and] lesson times were shortened due to their attention span… They see the importance of the sacraments and would like to ensure their children take part.”

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges: “This year definitely posed some challenges, but we tried to keep our program as consistent with the past as possible,” said Diane Luceri, the parish’s director of RCIA and Adult Faith Formation. “Since things opened up last fall, we have continued to meet each week in person at the church on Sundays.”

Luceri explained that the usual social distancing was in effect during the classes and Bible study, and “we have found that meeting in person is an important part of conversion for our Elect.”

The Book of Elect was signed before the congregation during the First Sunday of Lent’s livestream Mass with Father Thomas J. Serafin, pastor, presiding.

Luceri said the Elect “are excited about the upcoming Triduum and most especially with their entrance into the Church at the Easter Vigil.”

List of Candidates / Catechumens who will be fully initiated into Church at Easter Vigil

Basking Ridge, St. James

Catechumens: Sharon Maloney, Christian Maloney, Brendan Maloney, Merari Castann, Logan Milan London Milan. Alexander Dawoody

Candidates: Evan Toth, Lauren Manduke, Bianca Santulli

Blairstown, St. Jude

Candidates: Jackson Abraham Yawger, Joshua Comune

Bound Brook, St. Joseph

Candidates: Teresa Menjivar, Maritza Flores

Colonia, St. John Vianney

Catechumens: Pranali More, Destinee Tapia

Candidate: Jack McGrory

Dunellen, St. John the Evangelist

Catechumen: Karina Monterroso

Candidate: Eduvina Mazariegos

East Brunswick, St. Bartholomew

Candidate: Tanya Hughes

Edison, St. Helena

Candidate: Emily Shultis

Flemington, St. Magdalen de Pazzi

Catechumens: Samantha Lewczak, William Hernandez, Loren Hernandez, Jafeth Rivera, Heidi Rosas, Steven Rosas, Angie Rosa, ,

Candidates: Carly Jane Hendrickson, Jennifer Mazur, Brandon Delcid, Brayan Garcia, Kerlin Palacios, Jose Carrera,

Hackettstown, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Candidates: Amy Oseguera Mendoza, Amy Gissell Oseguera Miranda, Abigail Perez Lopez, Saray Perez Lopez

Hillsborough, Mary, Mother of God

Candidate: Adrian Suprien

Iselin, St. Cecelia

Candidates: Christina Rodriguez, Remi Lipford

Jamesburg, St. James the Less

Candidates: Hector Isidoro Salinas Salcedo, Santos Guzman

Kendall Park, St. Augustine of Canterbury

Catechumens: David Morales, Michael Morales

Candidates: Christine Beaton, Gabriella Mastandino, Jessica Mastandino

Lambertville, St. John the Evangelist

Catechumens: Jessica Polomski, Johnny Tenesaca Morales, Samantha Tenesaca Morales

Manville, Christ the Redeemer

Catechumens: Natalie Parez, Kevin Juarez

Middlesex, Our Lady of Mount Virgin

Candidates: Dawn Aloisio, Luann Belly, Jason Ciannello, Linda Jo Klem, Isabella Gomez

Milford, St. Edward the Confessor

Catechumen: Samantha Verba

New Brunswick, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Catechumens: Jose Paez, Jose Palacios, Jacob Ramos Martinez, Claudia Elizabeth Rivas Catana, Judith Rocha Lopez, Miguel Angel Santiago Lopez

Candidates: Fulvio Batista, Emestina Flores, Yaniri Del Carmen Jaquez Rodriguez, Maximiliano Lopez, Leobarda Lopez Cruz, Marvin Martinez, Fernando Pelaez Olivera, Liliana Quevedo Morga, Carlos Rojas, Emestina Santos

New Brunswick, Parish of the Visitation

Catechumens: Adan Garcia, Juan Gonzalez, Nancy Hernandez, Javian Jovanny Rojas, Henry Mendoza Gomez, Alexander Arocho, Steve Rutch,

Candidates: Jenise Enithlee Caban, Denisse Camarillo, Nashaly Espinal, Eric Rodriguez, Yelarin Rodriguez

New Brunswick, St. Peter the Apostle

Candidates: Josefina Maciel, Arianna Maciel,

Old Bridge, St. Ambrose

Candidates: Amy Hernandez, Ariana Galindo, Shakiema Jeffers, Emilia Marques

Parlin, St. Bernadette

Catechumens: Leanna Olson, Daniella Squires, Michael Vincent, Derek Pugh, Makayla Pugh, Darius Pugh

Candidates: Diane Crespo, Eunice Danseglio, Edna Danseglio, Malik Presssley, Nico Barrafato,

Perth Amboy, Blessed John Paul II

Catechumens: Daniella Almeira, Yefreson Garcia

Candidate: Deyvi Hidalgo

Perth Amboy, Our Lady of Fatima

Catechumens: Alma Hernandez, Luis Nieves, Emilio Ricopalchi

Candidates: Frank Cortez, Vickiana Gutierrez, Giovanni Gurtierrez

Phillipsburg, St. Philip & St. James

Catechumens: Gabryal Bennett, Sharon Gunn

Candidate: John Hardcastle

Plainsboro, Queenship of Mary

Candidates: Nicholas Pinilla, Kristin Park

Raritan Borough, St. Ann

Catechumen: Alejandro Andino

Somerset, St. Matthias

Catechumens: Nalini Stone, Danielle Bishop Gille, Dashawn Durden

Candidates: Shannon Long, Loren Long, Waid Barfield, Maritza Almonte, Nicholas Chodl, Luis Cuevas, Ava Ortman, Rosana Garon

Somerville, Immaculate Conception

Catechumens: Jadira Marino, Elmer Ruiz

Candidates: Samantha Fronio, Abigail Crowell, Blanca Banos, Alejandra Castro

South Amboy, Sacred Heart

Catechumen: Kristina Zodiaco

South Plainfield, Our Lady of Czestochowa

Catechumens: Thinh Nguyen, Dinh Tran

South River, St. Mary Ostrabrama

Catechumens: Robert Alfrey Jr., Emmaleigh Alfrey, Aubrey Alfrey, Aiden Alfrey

Candidates: Dazay Emmanuel Martinez, Stanley Peters, Laurie Joy Sirinakis, Braulio Simoes,

Spotswood, Immaculate Conception

Candidates: Beckam Moyer, Casey Moyer, Daniella Rizzo, Kenneth Wise

Three Bridges, Elizabeth Ann Seton

Catechumens: Angela Cardone, James McQueen

Whitehouse Station, Our Lady of Lourdes

Candidates: Noelle Mazzaferro, John Icaza

Woodbridge, St. James

Candidates: Deisy Rojas-Landero, Melina Rojas-Landero, Pablo Alexis Hernandez-DeLaPaz, Brenda Gonzalez, Carolina Miguel, Jonathan Miguel