The heart of the Christian story is that God, the Creator of the universe, tirelessly seeks out his people. Each of us is loved by God and called by name to share in his eternal life. The Scriptures remind us powerfully of this truth when Christ said “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”

At the Rite of Election, the catechumens of the Diocese of Calgary will courageously respond to Christ’s election and call to follow him as missionary disciples, and will be accepted by the Church to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
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This beautiful Rite begins with each Parish proudly presenting its catechumens to the Bishop. The Bishop, as the chief shepherd, inquires of the people of God whether the catechumens have been sufficiently prepared. In this way, the Church herself recognizes and affirms Christ’s call in the life of the catechumens. After, each catechumen inscribes their name in the Book of the Elect, publicly declaring their commitment to follow Christ and continue steadfastly in their spiritual formation as they prepare to receive the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

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Rite of Election 2025 
Sunday, Mar. 9 at 3:30 pm
St. Mary's Cathedral (219 18 Ave SW, Calgary)

• Please register all your catechumens and sponsors on this page by Feb. 28, or use this link
• Information Package for Rite of Election 2025 

DOWNLOAD NOW

Questions? Contact Kevin at 403-218-5507 or [email protected]
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Invitation

• The Rite of Election is only for Catechumens: unbaptized adults and unbaptized children of catechetical age. All others are welcome to attend as guests. 
• The Rite of Calling to Lenten Renewal for already baptized individuals preparing for reception and/or full initiation will not take place at the same time. It may be celebrated in the parishes. 

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One Day Only

• Sunday, March 9, at 3:30pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 219 – 18th Avenue SW, Calgary, T2S 0C2.
• Please arrive between 2:30 pm – 3 pm.

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Book of the Elect

• Catechumens will sign the Book of the Elect at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
• Following the rite, we encourage parishes to place the Book of the Elect in a prominent place in the church, e.g. near the baptismal font or ambry.
• If you need to order the Book of the Elect, please find the order form here. The Diocese will later invoice your parish. 

Dismissal 

• Since the names will be called and the Book of the Elect will be signed at the Rite of Election, the Dismissal to the Rite of Election is optional. The ritual has been modified to reflect that only catechumens are being sent to the Rite of Election.​

LET US PRAY

Father of love and power, it is your will to establish everything in Christ and to draw us into his all-embracing love. Guide our catechumens in the days and weeks ahead: strengthen them in their vocation, building them into the kingdom of your Son, and seal them with the Spirit of your promise. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.