Lenten Campaign 2025
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At the beginning of Lent, many parishes participate in what is called the "Rite of Sending," in which the parish priest "sends" men and women who want to become Catholic to the local bishop.
This liturgy is typically celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent and marks the final stage of preparation before they are welcomed into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
After being "sent" from the parish, these men and women participate in the Rite of Election at the local cathedral, in the presence of the bishop.
It is an important liturgy, as it provides those wanting to become Catholic an opportunity to publicly profess their intention.
Rite of Election
The Rite of Election begins with the bishop "examining" the individuals, ensuring that their godparents are confident in their knowledge and love of the Catholic faith:
God's holy Church wishes to know whether these catechumens are sufficiently prepared to be enrolled among the elect for the coming celebration of Easter. And so I speak first of all to you their godparents.
Have they faithfully listened to God's word proclaimed by the Church?
The bishop wants to make sure that these catechumens are ready for life as a Catholic. It is a decision that should not be made carelessly and should be done with much thought and prayer.
Then the bishop officially enrolls them as "elect," thus granting them his blessing to enter into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil:
Now that you have presented your names, I declare you to be members of the elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil.
Those already baptized
Candidates (those already baptized) are also present at the liturgy, but participate in what is called the "Call to Continuing Conversion."
These men and women are already part of the Christian Church through baptism, but have not received all of the sacraments of initiation. (A valid baptism makes a person Christian even if they are not Catholic. Those who are already baptized Christians have no need to be "re-baptized" when they become Catholic.)
This liturgy is a beautiful one to attend, as it reminds all Catholics of the need to publicly profess your faith for all to see.
