Rite of Election

The celebration of the Rite of Election (or Enrollment of Names) closes the period of the catechumenate. In this ancient rite of the Church, the Bishop listens to the testimony of the sponsors, godparents, and assembly. Based upon this testimony, he judges their state of readiness and "elects" or "chooses" them to receive the sacraments of initiation at the coming Easter Vigil.

"It is called 'Election' because the admission made by the Church is founded on election by God, in whose name the Church acts..." (OCIA 119).

The Rite of Election is “the focal point of the Church’s concern for the catechumens” (OCIA 107) and “the hinge of the whole catechumenate.” (OCIA 120). Celebration of the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion marks a significant step in the journey of those preparing for reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. The community has an apostolic vocation to give help to those who are searching for Christ. Particularly with the implementation of OCIA forthcoming, we as a diocese will be placing emphasis on formation opportunities for clergy, catechists, liturgists, and communities so that we may worthily celebrate the Order of Christian Initiation. 

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion is usually celebrated in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland on the First Sunday of Lent.

The Rite of Election is not an optional liturgical rite within the OCIA. It is to be celebrated with adults who are journeying through the OCIA process. The Rite of Election is only optional for children of catechetical age and those adults who are in exceptional circumstances. (OCIA 253, 277-290, 333-334). The Bishop is the ordinary celebrant of the Rite of Election (OCIA 12). It is not permissible to celebrate this rite in parishes without Bishop Malesic's delegation.

The next Rite of Election and call to Continuing Conversion will be on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2pm in Public Auditorium.