YOUNGSTOWN — Within the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, 282 men, women and children from 44 parishes are preparing to become members of the Catholic Church at Easter.

A total of 143 people will receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter vigil on April 4, and 139 persons who have already been baptized in other Christian traditions will make a profession of faith and receive the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist.

Diocesean officials said this year represents an increase of more than 90 individuals over last year.

The Bishop David J. Bonnar, when asked about the larger number of participants, stated: “I am overjoyed by the large increase in the number of catechumens and candidates.

Behind these numbers are people who have heard the Gospel

being proclaimed and witnessed it being lived by priests, deacons, lay ministers, the faithful, as well as friends and family. I think it is a powerful affirmation of the work of the Holy Spirit in this portion of the Lord’s vineyard. Not to mention that we have the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo, one of our own, to thank for this great increase.”

For many months, the individuals have been participating in parishes throughout the diocese in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, a process through which they become familiar with the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Catholic way of life. They also learn about and participate in the apostolic mission of the Church.

On the first Sunday of Lent, persons preparing for baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, known as catechumens, will celebrate the Rite of Election at 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown.

During the ceremony, they will be presented to Bonnar, and their godparents / sponsors and members of the assembly will be asked to attest to their readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation.

Those already baptized and seeking entrance into the Catholic church, known as candidates, also will be presented to Bonnar at this ceremony.

The catechumens and candidates will continue their final preparation for Easter in their parishes throughout the diocese.

Along with all Catholics, they will observe the weeks of Lent as a time of spiritual recollection in anticipation of the great feast of Easter.