Rite of Election: Chosen by God

Rite of Election, Feb. 26, 2023. Photo credit: W. Anderson.

On Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 the whole community gathered to witness something truly special: a joyous Rite of Election that welcomed 170 catechumens into St Mary's Cathedral as members of the Elect!  This event marked the culmination of their profound spiritual journey and preparation for receiving Initiation Sacraments at Easter Vigil.

Signing the Book of Elect. Photo credit: W. Anderson.

What's happening during the Rite of Election?
During the Rite of Election, the Church recognizes those who possess the dispositions that make them fit to take part in the initiation sacraments. ​The catechumens are introduced one by one to the bishop and other attendees, and here they express their wish to receive the sacraments of initiation and become a missionary disciple. With these testimonies, the Bishop accepts the judgement of the Church and invites the catechumens to offer their names for enrolment. 

In the Rite of Enrolment of Names, the catechumens inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect as a pledge of fidelity, followed by the Bishop's declaration, "I now declare you to be members of the elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil."  From this moment onwards, the catechumens are known as "the elect" until they receive the Sacraments of Initiation.

The Bishop also calls to the Godparents, urging them to accept the responsibility entrusted to them in the Lord. He asks them to show their support and love for the chosen individuals by providing guidance and instruction so that they may partake in God's sacraments.

​Let us pray to the Lord for all the Elect and for ourselves, that we may be renewed by one another’s efforts and together come to share the joys of Easter. 

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE RITE OF ELECTION