Catechumens: ‘Truly a gift' for the Church

By Cristina Cabrera Jarro -

MIAMI | Katie McEachern needs a guiding hand to sign her name. She can't see, at least not with her eyes.

But spiritually, she has seen the light. This Easter, she will be immersed in the life-giving waters of baptism. 

McEachern is a catechumen who has chosen to join the Catholic Church.

The book she signed is the Book of the Elect, which more than 600 catechumens signed before Archbishop Thomas Wenski and the Catholic community at two Rite of Election ceremonies Feb. 22.

Throughout Lent, the catechumens will continue preparing for the sacraments of initiation — baptism, confirmation, and Communion — which they will receive during the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

Catechumens are people ages seven and older who have never been baptized in any Christian faith. They have a sponsor, also known as a godparent, who guides them through their spiritual journey.

McEachern’s sponsor, Diane Perez de Alderete from All Saints Church in Sunrise, guides her not only spiritually but physically.

McEachern taught Braille at the Lighthouse of Broward, whose mission is to enhance the independence, productivity, and dignity of children and adults who are blind or visually impaired. While she enjoyed helping others, an aggressive cancer diagnosis changed her life and forced her into early retirement. It also awakened a dormant spiritual awareness that her father had been hinting at for years.

“This is something I meant to do before,” McEachern said. “I meant to do this years ago, but I have had a couple of rough patches.”

In light of her difficulties, McEachern took her father’s advice and began attending classes for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Her mother, Debra McEachern, is also a catechumen.

“This is a great moment,” Debra McEachern said.

Or, in the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark (1:12-15), which was proclaimed at the Rite of Election liturgy: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

For catechumens, this is that time. But as Archbishop Wenski noted in his homily, they are not alone.

“Know that your Catholic brothers and sisters are praying for you, and awaiting with great joy your entry into the Church,” he said.

Like McEachern, catechumens are often spiritual searchers whose journey brought them to Catholicism.

Patricia Amerson, also from All Saints Church, grew up Christian but not Catholic. After many years of attending various Christian denominations, she says she found a home within the Catholic community.

“Out of all of the churches I have been to, the Catholics have been the most welcoming,” said Amerson. “My son, who is baptized through the Catholic Church, is happy and helping me learn and prepare.”

Also like McEachern, who was prodded by her dad, catechumens are attracted to the Church by family members who are practicing Catholics.

Alejandro Ballina is sponsoring his 15-year-old nephew Alexi Suarez, a catechumen from St. Brendan Church in Miami. If his uncle was not enough of an influence, Alexi’s school — Christopher Columbus High School — provided the final impetus.

“I know how important the faith is, and I want to follow my faith and continue forward in it,” Alexi said.

Stephen Colella, cabinet secretary of Parish Life whose office coordinates the RCIA, marveled at the eagerness of the catechumens, their families, and their friends.

“What happened today is spiritually incredible,” he said. “Catechumens bring life to the Church and they remind us to step aside from the busyness of our daily lives to be here where we can stop and reflect on our faith.

“They truly are a gift.”