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 970 adults who have chosen to join the Catholic Church. All of the celebrations will be at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

Saturday, February 24, 2007
6:30 p.m.
Philadelphia - South Vicariate
Chester County Vicariate

Sunday, February 25, 2007
2:00 p.m.
Philadelphia - North Vicariate
Bucks County Vicariate

Sunday, February 25, 2007
6:30 p.m.
Montgomery County Vicariate
Delaware County Vicariate

During the Rite of Election, Cardinal Rigali will receive and bless 518 candidates (those who have been baptized in other faiths) and 452 catechumens (those who have not been baptized). 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 in their parishes on Saturday, April 7, 2007.

Editor's Note: Television cameras will not be permitted in the Cathedral. An audio and video mult-box feed will be provided in the parking lot of the Cathedral. Please enter on 17th Street, between Race and Vine Streets. Crews will need a bnc connector and a recording deck or a live truck. Reporters and still photographers are welcome in the Cathedral.

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Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747