Bishop greets initiates at Rite of Election

Published: February 16, 2018

Each year, bishops in dioceses worldwide personally welcome those going through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process during the Rite of Election, a special service held at the beginning of Lent.

This year, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will meet nearly 550 catechumens and candidates in four Rite of Election services being held in the following locations: Blessed Sacrament Church in Jonesboro, Feb. 15; St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers, Feb. 17; Christ the King Church in Little Rock, Feb. 18; and St. Edward Church in Texarkana, Feb. 19.

Catechumens 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

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. To learn more, study the RCIA Steps.

RCIA is offered at the parish level and generally begins in the fall and concludes with full initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. To learn more, see our RCIA Q&A or visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

If anyone is entering the Church through your parish, we invite you follow the bishop's example and introduce yourself and welcome them to your parish community. To find out if you have elect or candidates in your parish, see the 2018 RCIA List. For more information, contact the Office of Faith Formation at (501) 664-0340.