Rite of Election

The Rite of Election is the ritual that marks their entry into the final phase of their preparation to receive the sacraments of initiation, usually at the Easter Vigil. Following the Rite of Election, they are called “the elect,” since they have been elected by the Church (in the person of the archbishop) to become members.

In the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the  Rite of Election (for the catechumens) is celebrated jointly with the  Call to Continuing Conversion (for the candidates) during the first week of Lent. Then, throughout the remainder of Lent – which focuses on the need for ongoing conversion – the elect and candidates join with Catholics throughout the world in seeking to deepen their faith, grow in holiness, and strengthen their relationships with God and neighbor.