Traditionally held on the first weekend of Lent, the Rite of Election is among the final stages of full entry into the Catholic Church.
On February 21, St. Catherine of Siena Church, Kennesaw; Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Church, Norcross; St. Philip Benizi Church, Jonesboro; and the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, will open their doors to those who would declare their willingness to join the faith.
“Candidates, those baptized, and catechumens, those unbaptized, attend a series of classes learning about the faith, as part of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
Previously known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved changing its name in 2021 to reflect a proper translation from Latin. “Order” also better encompasses the specific steps, or rites, within the initiation process.
During the Rite of Election, catechumens write their name in the Book of the Elect. For many, the experience signifies the accomplishment of much time spent in study, prayer and reflection.
Candidates enter the Church through full communion, and catechumens prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation—baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. Both groups fulfill their initiation requirements on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil.”
Source: The Georgia Bulletin
The Rite of Election
