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Catechumens, candidates meet
archbishop in Rite of Election liturgies
By Julie Filby
When people meet Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., it’s not uncommon for them to ask his blessing on articles such as rosaries, crosses or medals.
When Caitlin McConaughy, 25, met the archbishop she sought his support for her upcoming marriage to Jancarlo Boyer by asking him to bless her engagement ring.
McConaughy is one of 1,200 people who have been attending Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) classes in the Denver Archdiocese to become full members of the Catholic Church.
On the afternoons of March 13 and March 20 about 1,000 of these catechumens (those who have not been baptized) and candidates (those baptized in another church)—along with their sponsors, catechists, family and friends—attended one of four Rite of Election liturgies at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver.
During the liturgies, which are traditionally held the first and second Sundays of Lent, the names of those seeking the sacraments of initiation—baptism, confirmation and Eucharist—are called forward to be recognized by the Church community, in the presence of Archbishop Chaput, as they move into the final period of preparation.
“Before I went up (to the altar) Jancarlo told me I should ask Archbishop Chaput to bless my ring,” McConaughy said. “Being so nervous I felt like I couldn’t do it, but when a young boy in front of me got his rosary blessed, I knew I could ask too.
“I feel extremely fortunate going into marriage knowing (the ring) was blessed by Archbishop Chaput,” she said. “Getting the chance to be married Catholic, and to a Catholic, is incredible. After going through RCIA, I feel like this is just what I needed.”
McConaughy, who was raised Presbyterian, is in the RCIA program at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial. Her conversion to Catholicism has been a family affair.
“(Growing up) I went to church every Sunday with my dad and was very involved in youth group,” she said. “But I left the church when I was 17 when I was having a hard time dealing with some of their beliefs.”
Both of her older sisters, who are married to Catholic spouses, participated in RCIA and joined the Church in the last few years.
“They had been ‘pushing’ me for a while to join and I wasn’t ready,” McConaughy explained. “Last year I realized something was really missing in my life … I decided that the only thing I hadn’t tried was going back to church.”
She called her sisters: the next Saturday evening her entire family joined her at Mass.
“During the homily, Father (John) Green talked about how you have a cup in life,” she said. “When you’re a baby all you have in your cup is your parents’ love and God’s love.
“But as you get older your cup starts filling up with other things like work, friends, drinking, drugs, sex—and slowly God gets pushed out. If you just take one thing out, God can fit back in your cup.”
It was exactly what she needed to hear.
“I knew right then I belonged in the Catholic Church,” she said.
Inspired by their daughter, parents Ronald and Sue McConaughy started RCIA classes as well.
“My wife and I were very happy and active in our former church,” Ronald said. “We were very resistant to giving RCIA a try until Caitlin announced she was going to start. When we heard this there was little doubt that the Holy Spirit was leading all of us to RCIA.
“We just had to open our hearts and accept it,” he said. “Worshiping with my family … has been my wife and I’s dream since our children left home. Attending Mass with our grandchildren is an added blessing.”
Ronald was touched by the experience at Rite of Election.
“The Rite of Election was a wonderful experience,” he said. “The cathedral is beautiful and the event well-organized and spiritual. Archbishop Chaput and his staff made everyone feel at home, making an event attended by many very personal and moving.”
The family members will receive the sacraments of initiation on April 10; along with Caitlin’s fiancé Boyer who will be confirmed that day as well.
“RCIA is cherished family time and has again brought us closer together, with a strong outward bond in Christ,” Ronald said.
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