More than 1,500 catechumens, with the support of their sponsors, were called forth to become the Elect Feb. 25 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

Two celebrations of the Rite of Election were again necessary to accommodate those from throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles who are in the final stages in the process of becoming Catholic. Rites of Sending for the catechumens had been celebrated earlier that day in their respective parishes.

In his homily at the afternoon celebration (the second followed at 6 p.m.), San Pedro Region Auxiliary Bishop Alex Salazar reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus facing his temptations and being tested in the desert.

"Catechumens," he noted, "are tested, too. The world will tell you to hate your enemies. This community will tell you to love them."

In their Rites of Sending, catechumens participated in signing their names in the Book of the Elect. By choosing to become baptized in the faith, Bishop Salazar told the catechumens, "if you give your name to God today, you will sign up to proclaim and you will enter those waters and your old self will die."

He then added, "Make your Christian name known to all the world."

The words of Bishop Salazar's homily echoed those of the entrance song, "I Say 'Yes'" by Donna Pena: "I say 'Yes,' my Lord. Digo 'Si,' Senor, in all the good times, through all the bad times, I say 'Yes,' my Lord to every word you speak."

Cardinal Roger Mahony, who presided at both rituals, invited the catechumens to come into the Cathedral sanctuary as the "Elect." In response, RCIA leaders from each parish carried the Books of the Elect and led the catechumens and their sponsors to the sanctuary. Each sponsor placed his or her hand on the shoulder of each catechumen as they walked to the sanctuary.

Prior to the ceremony, catechumens, sponsors and team members shared their stories and excitement of arriving at this moment. Catherine Ceola Carter, from St. Anthony Church, Long Beach, attributed her preparation for RCIA to her sponsor, Freddie Mae Hall.

"My friend has been a Catholic since the 1970s," said Carter. "I met her and the first time I stepped into St. Anthony Church, it was so peaceful. It is just wonderful."

Annabelle Gordon, RCIA coordinator at St. Anthony, reflected Catherine's happiness. "It is such a joyous experience to have walked this journey with them," said Gordon. "And now to see almost the culmination --- we've reached the point where they are making that final decision to become full members of the church. It is a joyous experience."

Many catechumens, such as Andrew De La Rosa and Jose Lopez from St. Mary Church, Palmdale, were unable to describe their feelings. But judging by the reactions of their friends and families, words were not really needed.

De La Rosa, a Paraclete High School student, said simply, "I can't really put it into words, but it means a lot to me." Added his friend Lopez, who attends Littlerock High School: "It means everything."

The Sirna family from St. Dorothy Church, Glendora, was representative of many at Sunday's ceremonies. Duane Sirna was baptized shortly after birth. When Duane married Cherie, they promised to raise their children Catholic. In the process of fulfilling that promise, Cherie made the decision to convert.

"My daughter Taylor [age 13] started RCIA," said Cherie, "and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to convert and am going through the process as well. It's really been a beautiful experience and the parish has reached out to all the families going through the process and given support. Taylor is enjoying it as well. It's wonderful to go through this with my daughter when so many kids at her age are having negative experiences."

Taylor, a middle school student, said the RCIA process has "really opened my eyes to what my faith means in the real world. I have just seen differently than before."

Understandably, Duane is very proud of his family. "I feel wonderful," he said. "It's just another step that brings the family together and brings us closer to God in a way that the Catholic Church has done for me, and they get to experience it. It's just one more step forward."