Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at three celebrations of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. This is an important step for almost 1000 adults who have chosen to join the Catholic Church. All of the celebrations will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

Saturday, March 4, 2006
6:30 p.m.
Delaware County Vicariate
Philadelphia - North Vicariate

Sunday, March 5, 2006
2:00 p.m.
Chester County Vicariate
Montgomery County Vicariate

Sunday, March 5, 2006
6:30 p.m.
Bucks County Vicariate
Philadelphia - South Vicariate


During the Rite of Election, Cardinal Rigali will receive and bless 524 candidates (those who have been baptized in other faiths) and 440 catechumens (those who have not been baptized). There are 40 more catechumens than last year. In addition ten more parishes are participating than in 2005. After a reflective and 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 15, 2006.


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Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747