WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Across the United States this Lent tens of thousands of prospective Catholics began the final phases of joining the church, a process that will culminate with the sacraments of Christian initiation at the Easter Vigil. For catechumens, people not yet baptized, the final part of the journey began with a Rite of Election on or near the first Sunday of Lent. For candidates, who are already baptized Christians, the start of Lent meant participating in a Call to Continuing Conversion. Catechumens will receive baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Candidates will enter full communion...
