The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion for Those Entering into Full Communion, a significant step for people who are joining the Catholic Church. There will be three celebrations.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia

Saturday, March 11, 2000
11:30 a.m.
ceremony for Philadelphia-South parishes and Montgomery County parishes
(celebrated by Bishop Robert Maginnis)

Saturday, March 11, 2000
6:00 p.m.
ceremony for Philadelphia-North parishes and Bucks County parishes
(celebrated by Bishop Joseph Martino)

Sunday, March 12, 2000
6:00 p.m.
ceremony for Delaware County parishes and Chster County parishes
(celebrated by Bishop Joseph Martino)

Catechumens are adults who have never been baptized who wish to become Catholics. Candidates are adults who were baptized in a Christian faith and desire to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. During the ceremony, the celebrant will declare the Church's approval for the catechumens and the candidates to continue their endeavors to become full members of the Church.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process that prepares adults to join the Catholic Church through the process of education, reflection, parish support, and formation. Catechumens will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil Mass, known as a time of rebirth. More than 1200 catechumens and candidates representing 177 parishes from throughout the Archdiocese will participate in the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion celebrations.

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Contact
John Miller
Broadcast and Media Specialist
215-587-3747