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This significant celebration marks a pivotal moment in the journey to full initiation in the Church. For the unbaptized — the catechumens — it is a public recognition that they are chosen by God and the Church to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. For the baptized — the candidates — it is a call to deepen their conversion and their communion with Christ and the Church. Together, they enter a final season of preparation, prayer, and renewal as Lent begins, supported by the community and strengthened by faith.

The journey of faith is a response to God’s loving invitation “to seek him, to know him, to love him…into the unity of his family, the Church” (CCC §1). In our parish, catechumens and candidates are individuals who are discerning a deeper relationship with the Lord and seeking full participation in the life of the Catholic Church. Through prayer, formation, worship, and the support of the parish community, they are accompanied on a path of conversion, discipleship, and spiritual growth as they prepare to receive the sacraments or complete their initiation into the Church.

To learn more about who catechumens and candidates are, click here.

Rite of Election of Catechumens and of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion 2027

Please note that in 2027 we will offer only TWO DATES for the Rite of Election

Saturday, February 13, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties

Sunday, February 14, 2027 at 3:00 PM
Chester County, Philadelphia North, and Philadelphia South

Information for Coordinators

Registration Form

Rite of Election – Parish Link
https://odwphiladelphia.org/rite-of-election/

Registration Deadline: January 25, 2027

Parish Delegation Form (Only for Pastors/Parochial Administrators)

If your parish or institution does not plan to attend the Rite of Election of Catechumens and of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, in order to obtain delegation from the Archbishop to do so at your parish. Please fill out the form below.
https://form.jotform.com/260526773469165

Name Tags & Other Resources

For the instructions for the Book of the Elect Presenter, click here.
Here is a resource to deepen their love and understanding of the Eucharist.
For full details on the process of Christian Initiation, click here.