Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. welcomed almost 800 new Catholics to the Church at two celebrations this weekend at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. These men and women will practice their faith at parishes throughout the five-county Archdiocese.

The Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates signified an important step for 785 adults who have chosen to join the Catholic Church. During the Rite of Election, Archbishop Chaput received and blessed 384 candidates (those who have been baptized in other faiths) and 401 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, 2012.

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Editor's Note: For video of Archbishop Chaput's Homily please visit the CatholicPhilly YouTube Channel at http://tinyurl.com/RiteofElectionHomily.

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