Rite of Election - Call to Continuing Conversion

You are invited to attend the annual Rite of Election!

Sunday Mar. 9, 3 p.m.
Hosted at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

T h e n   w h a t   e x a c t l y   i s   the Rite of Election - Call to Continuing Conversion?

On the first Sunday of Lent, the Diocese of Dodge City celebrates the combined Rites of Call to Continuing Conversion and Rite of Election.

After the Liturgy of the Word, we celebrate the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. After the candidates are presented to the bishop, he first asks the sponsors if these candidates are ready to receive the sacraments of confirmation and eucharist at the Easter Vigil. He then asks the members of the community to express their affirmation of the candidates.

As the names of the candidates from each parish are called, the candidates are led to the baptismal font, where they are invited to touch the waters of baptism. This symbolic action recognizes their baptism and acknowledges they will be celebrating the sacraments of confirmation and eucharist at the upcoming Easter vigil.

The Rite of Election of Catechumens is the celebration of God’s choice, God’s election of this person. The bishop asks the godparents if these catechumens are sufficiently prepared to be enrolled among the elect for the coming celebration of Easter. The bishop then asks the catechumens, themselves, if they are ready and wish to receive the Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation and eucharist. The bishop indicates if all these signs are working together, then it must be God who is behind the process.

As the names of the catechumens from each parish are called, they come forward to sign their name in the book of the elect. The significance of this formal giving of the names to the bishop is a sign of commitment, a sign of real desire for permanent involvement in the community of faith. The catechumens are now elected and become the Elect.

The Call to Continuing Conversion and Rite of Election centers on the Church as community. The process of Christian growth and conversion takes place within the context of a family of faith. No one comes to Christ alone.

In this video, Father Wesley Schawe presents a five-minute preview of the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. (View the Spanish version here.)

It might prove helpful for catechumens, godparents, candidates, and sponsors to view in preparation for the Rite at the Cathedral. Father Wesley invites them all to relax, pray and celebrate as he introduces the parts they will play when they come to the Cathedral.

Chrism Mass

You are invited to attend the annual Chrism Mass!

Thursday March 21st, 

Hosted at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

T h e n   w h a t   e x a c t l y   i s   the Chrism Mass?

The Chrism Mass gathers the diocese around the Bishop before the beginning of the Triduum, so that Parish Representatives may take home the holy oils and sacred chrism needed for the initiation rites at Easter.

The Liturgy of this Mass celebrates the dignity of all who have been made Christ's disciples through baptism and anointing. Gathering in the unity of God's priestly people for the consecration of the chrism, all are reminded that no one ever responds to this call alone or on one's own.

The Chrism Mass gives attention to the ministerial priesthood of the ordained who renew their priestly promises within the liturgy. The Church teaches us that the ordained priesthood is at the service of the priesthood of the baptized: to strengthen, sanctify and teach so that God's people will strengthen, sanctify, and teach the world in which they live, in their families, schools, workplaces, sporting and leisure activities, politics, community involvement and beyond.

Ordination

When Divine Providence presents us with a man who is ready to be ordained to the diocesan priesthood, all of the faithful from the Diocese of Dodge City are invited to attend!

Diaconate Ordination - 10:00 a.m. May 31st, 2024 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

T h e n   w h a t   e x a c t l y   i s   Ordination?

• After many years of discernment between the man in question, his various seminary advisors, and the bishop, the Rite of Ordination is celebrated, bestowing the sacrament of Holy Orders on the man.
• Following the pattern of the apostles, and in continuity with them through the apostolic succession of Catholic bishops, a mixture of signs and symbols are employed to confer the grace of this sacrament, resulting in an "indelible spiritual character" (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1583). He now shares in the Ministerial Priesthood of Jesus Christ. 
• This is a cause for great joy, especially for a mission diocese like ours that experiences relatively long periods of waiting between ordinations. It is also an encouragement for us to pray that the men of our diocese open their hearts and earnestly seek God's will. 

Matrimony Anniversary Mass

You are invited to attend the annual Matrimony Anniversary Mass. Please register here: https://form.jotform.com/90425952763160

Sunday, Oct. 19th
Hosted at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

T h e n   w h a t   e x a c t l y   i s   the Matrimony Anniversary Mass?

This is a special Mass in which dozens of couples renew their marriage vows. Bishop John B. Brungardt presents each couple with a certificate honoring their years of commitment.

In chapter 53 of the Book of Isaiah, the prophet describes the Suffering Servant, who will “give his life” for us.  This is a prophetic description of Jesus, who gave His life for our sins, for us.  Jesus’ death on the cross frees us from sins, and his glorious resurrection brings us to eternal life.  Christ’s sacrifice of unconditional love is what we celebrate at this Holy Mass.  
This is also what married couples do; they give their life to each other as they share their vows, “to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.”