Edward Brown Jr., Nathaniel and Jayden Patnode, and Emma and Gracie Hart, all catchumens from the Greater Massena Catholic Community, participate in the Rite of Election at the Cathedral in Ogdensburg. During Lent there are several Old traditional Rites that are observed. Most recently the Rites of Acceptance when our priest asks the parishioners to accept any one that has been studying to enter into the Church during the Easter Vigil, April 15. This year it will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church here in Massena. The next Rite, The Rite of Sending was a combination of our parishes sending Catechumens (those that have not been baptized) to the Cathedral in Ogdensburg for the Rite of Election with Bishop Terry LaValley. The signing of the senses will be held next. This is a special blessing for each individual. Each will have their senses blessed so that they may see, walk, talk, listen and carry on the Word of God in their lives. They will next be presented with a copy of the Nicene Creed (our true beliefs) and the Lord’s Prayer given to us by Jesus Christ. All of the preparation will culminate with the Rite of Initiation. For more info contact the Greater Massena Catholic Parishes at Sacred Heart Rectory ,212 Main St, Massena, NY 315-769-2469.