TOLEDO (OH)
Toledo Blade
By DAVID YONKE
BLADE RELIGION EDITOR
In the midst of the U.S. Catholic Church's clerical sexual abuse crisis, the most severe crisis in its history, more than 600 people have made commitments to convert to Catholicism and join parishes in the Toledo diocese next Saturday.
"I think it just goes to show us how the Holy Spirit works. The Holy Spirit is going to work well beyond our own human crisis," said the Rev. Charles Singler, rector of Rosary Cathedral and director of worship for the diocese. "The call to holiness transcends all the crisis and trauma in the church."
Father Singler, who assists parishes conduct classes for the Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults (RCIA), said those who decide to convert are required to attend classes and Mass for six months to a year, depending on the local parish's policies. "During this period of enlightenment, they are intensely preparing for their initiation," Father Singler said.
The initiation of 618 converts is scheduled to take place at Rosary Cathedral on Holy Saturday's Easter Vigil.Abuse Trackerly, more than 150,000 people are converting that day, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Posted by kshaw at March 19, 2005 06:49 AM