Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia,will preside at the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates, a significant step for adults joining the Catholic Church. There will be three celebrations this weekend.

Saturday, March 8, 2003 6:30 p.m.
Delaware County Vicariate
Philadelphia - North Vicariate

Sunday, March 9, 2003 2:00 p.m.
Chester County Vicariate
Montgomery County Vicariate

Sunday, March 9, 2003 6:30 p.m.
Bucks County Vicariate
Philadelphia - South Vicariate


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


During the Rite of Election, Cardinal Bevilacqua will receive and bless 601 candidates (those who have been baptized in other faiths) and 389 catechumens (those who have not been baptized). 172 parishes will be represented. After an intense period of prayer during Lent, the catechumens and candidates will become full members of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday, April 19, 2003.
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Donna Farrell
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215-587-3747