They came from across the Archdiocese of Washington, from parishes located along city streets, suburban neighborhoods and the rural countryside, more than 600 people, women and men from all walks of life, many different ages and with roots in many countries, all standing together on a journey of faith that will lead to them becoming full members of the Catholic Church at Easter.

As Cardinal Wuerl presided at the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the first Sunday of Lent, he welcomed those preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Communion – at the Easter Vigil, and the godparents, sponsors, family members, friends and fellow parishioners accompanying them.

“There’s something powerful about seeing the basilica filled with people called to become closer to Jesus and his Church,” the cardinal said in his homily at the Feb. 14 liturgy.

This Easter, 1,375 adults, teens and children from more than 100 parishes and from six universities in the Archdiocese of Washington will become full members of the Catholic Church, with about one-half of that group participating in the liturgy on the first Sunday of Lent, and the others taking part in a Feb. 21 liturgy at the basilica.

At the first liturgy, Cardinal Wuerl noted that the ceremony included visible signs of faith – in the Rite of Election, when godparents place their hands on the shoulders of catechumens preparing for Baptism, Communion and Confirmation, affirming their readiness; and in the Call to Continuing Conversion, when sponsors do the same for candidates preparing to complete their sacraments of initiation by being confirmed and receiving their first Communion.

But he said something is also unfolding there that can’t be seen by one’s eyes – “the movement of God’s grace… the grace of God, touching your heart and soul.”

Cardinal Wuerl said that liturgy offers one of the most “powerful and striking manifestations of the Holy Spirit alive and at work in our community,” as people step forward two-by-two, accompanied by their godparents or sponsors, continuing on a journey of faith inspired by the Holy Spirit “who transforms hearts and changes lives.”

The cardinal underscored the importance of everyday evangelization, noting that the witness of faith by spouses and other family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors had helped inspire people to become Catholic. “Notice as you look around, you are never alone on the journey,” Cardinal Wuerl said, saying those present represented a very large Catholic family of faith throughout the archdiocese that also welcomes those preparing to become full members of the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Wuerl was joined at the liturgy by Auxiliary Bishops Barry Knestout, Martin Holley and Mario Dorsonville, and by priests and deacons from many parishes accompanying their people. As catechumens walked up to the sanctuary during the Rite of Election accompanied by their godparents, the cardinal greeted each one personally. Later after the catechumens affirmed their desire to be baptized, the cardinal recognized them as “the elect,” who have been called by God to enter the Church. The assembled people applauded the elect, and as they returned to their pews, the congregation sang a joyful “Laudate, Laudate Dominum.”

During the Call to Continuing Conversion, the candidates and sponsors walked up two-by-two in parish groups, and the cardinal recognized the readiness of the already-baptized candidates to be received into full Communion with the Catholic Church, and the congregation applauded them and sang the joyful Spanish hymn, “Pescador de Hombres” (“Lord, You have Come”).

Then prayers for the elect and candidates were offered in many different languages.

After the liturgy, Sara Blauvelt, the archdiocese’s director for catechesis, said that day marked a key milestone for the elect and candidates on their lifetime journey of faith and an inspiring reminder for them and for all those who witnessed the ceremony, that, “We need each other to grow in faith. No one comes up there by themselves.”