Press Release

On Sunday, March 9, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will celebrate the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion with 946 adults and children seeking entrance into the Roman Catholic Church.

The Rite of Election is celebrated with those who are unbaptized and preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.  The Call to Continuing Conversion is celebrated with those already baptized, but desiring to be received into the Roman Catholic Church.  Additionally, baptized Catholics who are completing their initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist are also called to continuing conversion at this celebration.

The Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion marks the beginning of the season of Lent. This season of the church year is dedicated in a particular way to the final preparation period of these men, women, and children as they prepare to enter the Church.

The term “election” refers to the fact that God has chosen these catechumens for membership into Christ’s Body. During this public celebration, the Church discerns their readiness and affirms their intention to advance toward the Easter Sacraments.

Nearly 4,000 catechumens, candidates, parish members, family and friends will gather for these rites that mark this step on the journey of faith.  These gatherings are one way in which the archbishop and auxiliary bishop can be involved in the initiation process of these soon-to-be Catholics.  Also, it is an opportunity for those involved in the initiation process to experience a sense of being incorporated into the larger Roman Catholic community.

This year there will be four celebrations on Sunday, March 9, 2014:

The Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains, Cincinnati,
3:30 P.M. and 7:30 P.M.
Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati will preside.

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Dayton
3:30 P.M. and 7:30 P.M.
Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop will preside.

Parishes have been assigned to a particular celebration according to the deanery in which they are located.

Last year, the archdiocese welcomed 1,023 during the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion.