The Rite of Election 2023 of the South Johor Vicariate
Rite of Election is a celebration that is usually held at the Diocesan level, and is celebrated on the same day (1st Sunday of Lent) in many of the Dioceses around the world. It is called “Election” because the acceptance made by the Church is founded on the election by God, in whose name the Church acts. It is also called “Enrollment of Names” because as a pledge of fidelity the catechumens inscribe their names in the book that lists those who have been chosen for initiation. The catechumes’ names are publicly declared to all present. This signifies their intention to be initiated at the Easter Vigil. The Bishop joyfully welcomes those to be baptised as children of God.
The Rite of Election 2023 of the South Johore Vicariate in the Malacca Johore Diocese saw 119 catechumens from 9 parishes affirming their desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. The Rite took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Johor Bahru, on 25 February 2023.
The 9 parishes are:
- Sacred Heart Cathedral, Johor Bahru
- Church Of The Immaculate Conception, Johor Bahru
- St. Joseph, Plentong
- Holy Family, Ulu Tiram
- St. Theresa, Masai
- Christ The King, Kulai
- Skudai Catholic Centre, Taman Universiti
- St. Elizabeth, Kota Tinggi
- St. Philip, Segamat
Bishop Emeritus Paul Tan, delegated by Bishop Bernard Paul, was the celebrant of the Rite.
Deacon Sherman Kuek, Director of the Malacca Johore Diocesan Catechetical Ministry, assisted at the Rite. He preached a brief homily on the call of the Gospel to abdicate our thrones and allow God to be the Lord of our lives. He said, the temptations our Lord faced in the Judaean wilderness reminded us of what truly mattered, God’s will or our self-determined life programme, God’s timing or ours. He stressed the importance of trusting in God’s way and timing in all matters of life, assuring the new Elect of the prayers of the Church, together with those of our Blessed Mother and the entire host of heaven.
After the Rite, lunch was served to all present.
All glory to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The multi-lingual liturgy team animated the Rite beautifully, with hymns and readings in four languages. We also witnessed a great display of discipleship, with leaders of the various ministries guiding the youths throughout the preparation of this Rite! All these would not be possible without the great support from the other members of the hospitality team, parish office, diocesan coordinator, many volunteers, and my fellow catechists! Last but certainly not least, big thanks to Bishop Emeritus Paul Tan, Father Edward, Father Claurence, Deacon Sherman, and Sister Goretti for all the guidance and support.
Bernard Chew
St Joseph's Catechetical Office
Church of The Immaculate Conception, Johor Bahru
