Four rites of election to be held in 2023

Published: February 9, 2023

Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and self-denial for Catholics. Popular traditions within this time are giving up chocolate, deleting social media or giving alms. While it is common for the faithful to focus on these acts, the Church experiences great joy in welcoming new catechumens and candidates at the Easter Vigil. A part of this process is the yearly Rite of Election. 

At the beginning of Lent, bishops around the world personally welcome catechumens and candidates who are becoming Catholic through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process. During the Rite of Election, the bishop declares catechumens ready to receive the sacraments of initiation, which are baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. Through this process, they become known as the “elect.”  At the same time, he calls candidates to continuing conversion as they prepare to be confirmed and receive first Communion. 

Catechumens are those who have not been baptized and are being formed in the Christian faith and life. Candidates are baptized members of other Christian churches who wish to become Catholic. Rites of Election are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent De Paul Church in Rogers, Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Christ the King Church in Little Rock,  Monday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at St. Edward Church in Texarkana and Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Jonesboro.

For further questions on RCIA, visit the diocesan Faith Formation Office page or consult the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website.