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METUCHEN — Michael Pantoja repairs appliances for a living. The Basking Ridge resident said he also needed to mend his ways.
“I realized that I led the wrong life,” Pantoja said, “and in order for me to lead a meaningful life, it means coming to Jesus. And in order for me to come to Jesus, I had to give myself to him, so that I can live the life that he has for me.”
Asked why he chose Catholicism, Pantoja said: “I believe this is the true, faithful church that leads back to Jesus.”
Pantoja, wearing a blue shirt and tie, and a brightly colored smile, joined about 85 candidates, or catechumens, from 65 parishes in the diocese who attended the Rite of Election March 6 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. It is a rite celebrated in every diocese throughout the world.
On the Rite of Election, catechumens like Pantoja, their families, godparents, sponsors and catechists from across the diocese gathered to celebrate this important process in the Christian initiation into the Catholic faith. The catechumens were scheduled to be baptized at Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Masses April 16 in their respective parishes.
The March 6 liturgy included Scripture readings, hymns, prayers and more, both in English and Spanish. The Gospel was taken from Matthew Chapter 4 — also read during the first Sunday of Lent. It recounts Jesus being tempted by Satan in the desert, during which Our Lord fasted for 40 days.
In his homily, Bishop James F. Checchio said another word for tempt is test.
“If we use the word tempt in this context of the Gospel today,” the bishop said, “we call this the testing of Jesus instead of the temptation of Jesus. Like any test, we have to be prepared.”
Jesus was prepared, Bishop Checchio said. “He passed the temptation because he was so well prepared. He had prepared himself throughout his life. He was a disciplined person who persevered in prayer and strengthened his relationship with the Father.”
He held up Jesus, as well as Olympic and Special Olympic athletes, as examples for the catechumens of how to stay the course of their faith.
“My brothers and sisters in Christ, we need such discipline and patience in our lives,” he said. “It takes discipline to be a faithful disciple of Jesus in our world today.
“This is what this Rite of Election is all about … you have shown enough discipline, patience and dedication that today, your godparents and catechists testify to the Church and God in your behalf.”
He told the catechumens that the Church “happily and gratefully accepts you today,” based on the recommendations of sponsors, catechists and those supporting them. He also said he would continue praying for them.
Pantoja and others certainly learned the meaning of patience while studying the faith, having been students during the pandemic. The Rite of Election was not celebrated in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but catechumens were able to continue their preparations at their parishes either remotely or in small meetings.
“There was a difference, but it’s still rewarding, no matter how we do it,” said Theodore Petrock, who has served as a catechist for several years at Christ the Redeemer Parish, Manville, and whose granddaughter, Alena Petrock, was part of the Rite of Election.
Cynthia Reif and Rachel Albi, both from the Cathedral parish, also recalled beginning the spiritual journey amid COVID; they held meetings in small groups or online.
“Then we were in person, then we were on the computer,” Reif said. “We’re back in person.” Throughout it all, she added, “It’s been a wonderful experience.”
Edison residents Reif and Albi attended with their sponsors, Cynthia Pychewicz and Christine Riggio, who are members of the Cathedral parish, along with catechist Maggie Corson. Reif and Albi decided to become Catholic in part because their children attend St. Francis Cathedral School.
Albi, who was raised Presbyterian, also said she had been drawn to the Catholic church at a young age. “There was something in that, that I liked,” she said. “Something just felt right about it. I can’t really put words to it. I just felt this desire to be more involved in this beautiful place.”
After the homily, Sara A. Sharlow, director, diocesan Office of Christian Initiation of Adults, presented the catechumens to the bishop. Each candidate’s sponsor affirmed that the catechumens were ready to be enrolled among the elect for the coming celebration of Easter.
Each catechumen entered the sanctuary and signed the Book of the Elect, then crossed the sanctuary and approached Bishop Checchio. The bishop greeted each one with a few words and a fist bump.
Reif and Albi said the bishop congratulated them during their fist bumps, and he was looking forward to celebrating Easter with them.
Pantoja, who is studying at the St. James Parish, Basking Ridge, said the bishop told him he was going to pray for him throughout the Easter Vigil.
His catechist and sponsor, David Delaplain, said serving the parish’s RCIA has brought him and his wife, Laura, closer to their faith. “It’s made me learn more about my faith and made me more active in my church,” said Delaplain, who has been with St. James’ RCIA team about 15 years.
When Pantoja came for an initial inquiry about the faith, Delaplain became part of the team who helped him. “And we just clicked, more or less,” Delaplain said. “He’s my friend and we’re trying to make sure what he’s trying to do in his life, so I can show him an example or help him get there.”
