300 Catechumens to Gather for Rite of Election With Cardinal At Cathedral March 1

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Some 300 catechumens preparing to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil will participate in the Rite of Election celebrated by Cardinal Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral the first Sunday of Lent, March 1, at 2 p.m.

Men and women who have not been baptized or confirmed, and have not received First Holy Communion—the sacraments of initiation—take part in the Rite of Election during which the cardinal declares them members of the elect, and they sign the Book of Elect. The book of names remains in the cathedral, where the faithful continue to pray for them throughout Lent.

The 300 men and women, accompanied by their godparents, represent more than 60 parishes across the archdiocese, according to Oscar Cruz, director of the Catechumenate for the archdiocese.

Known as catechumens, the men and women have participated in the Catechumenate, or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), and are preparing to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil, April 11.

Cardinal Dolan, in a letter to the catechumens about the Rite of Election, said they are making “another significant step” toward their full initiation into the Catholic faith. “It is your duty now, as it is with all those who declare their belief in Christ, to be sincere in your profession of faith,” he said.

“May you enter this Lent in a spirit of prayer, repentance and charity, with Christ as your wealth and wisdom, and may you become true examples of the power of His death and resurrection.”

The cardinal acknowledged all those accompanying the catechumens. “Might those who have been with you in this journey—your godparents, sponsors, catechists and spiritual directors—be blessed for their good work!”