The Rite of Election

This Rite marks the second stage in the RCIA Journey. For many months, the catechumens have been drawn into the belief and life of the Church at a parish level. Now, the recognition that they have been called by God to take the next step is celebrated with prayer and song by the Church through the Archbishop in St Patrick’s Cathedral.

The experience of the wider church and the presence of many other catechumens and candidates, accompanied by sponsors, parish friends and family, is, anecdotally, a very rich and uplifting event. 

The Rite marks the conclusion of the Catechumenate period and is a doorway to the next period, Purification and Enlightenment, which coincides with Lent. By this Rite, the Catechumen is “elected”, is “chosen” to move on to Baptism at Easter. After the celebration of the Rite, they are no longer of the Order of Catechumen’s, but are now members of that group in the Church, known as the “Elect”.

Gallery 2011