Rite of Election

Rite of Election and Call to Lenten Renewal

This rite closes the period of the catechumenate proper of those individuals seeking Baptism at Easter and initiates the final, more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation both for the catechumens (subsequently called the “elect”) and for baptised adults seeking full communion with the Catholic Church (known as “candidates”).  

The Catechumens/Elect

The catechumens, who become the elect at the Rite of Election, are individuals preparing for baptism. Through the RCIA they have undergone a prolonged process of catechesis whereby they have learned to live the Christian life: gained knowledge of Christ, prayer, liturgy, Christian community life, moral formation, and missionary initiation. 

Candidates

The candidates are those Christians with a valid baptism who seek to be received fully into the Catholic Church. The process by which candidates have prepared for reception into full communion may vary depending on the degree to which they were catechized. Catechesis involves both living the Christian life and learning what it is to live that life in the Catholic faith. 

Rite of Sending

Catechumens and candidates from your parish will be “sent” to the Cathedral using a special prayer of sending.