Rite of Election Liturgies see record numbers (PHOTOS)
April 8, 2025
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo reviews the names in a Book of the Elect during a Rite of Election Liturgy at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Houston on March 9. (Photo by James Ramos/Herald)
HOUSTON — An important part of Lent leading up to Easter is the election of catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates studying in formation to be welcomed into the Church in full initiation as new Catholics.
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo and Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, celebrated the Rite of Election for those preparing to enter the Catholic Church at Easter, welcoming the largest group of candidates and catechumens to date. A total of 2,669 people from 114 parishes across the Archdiocese are set to join the Catholic Church.
PHOTOS: Hearing the call - Rite of Election 2025
The rites were celebrated across the Archdiocese at six different Liturgies on March 8 and March 9. The bilingual Liturgies were held at St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish in Spring, Mary Queen Parish in Friendswood, Christ the Redeemer Parish in northwest Houston, St. Michael Parish in the Galleria area, St. Anthony of Padua Parish in The Woodlands and the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston.
Faithful from parishes all around the Archdiocese, from Navasota to Galveston, attended the Liturgies. Among the parishes with the largest numbers of soon-to-be new Catholics were St. Jerome in Houston, with 97 catechumens and three candidates, and St. Juan Diego in Pasadena, with 77 catechumens. Though some parishes may have fewer numbers, such as a trio from Rice University, their faith journey is equally significant and recognized during the Rite of Election.
During the Rite of Election, the catechumens — those who will be Baptized, Confirmed and receive their First Communion this Easter — are presented with their Godparents to the bishops and to the faith community. After the catechumens publicly affirmed their intention to join the Church, the bishops, on behalf of the Church, accept or “elect” them as being ready to take part in the Sacraments of Initiation.
A unique moment happens at each Liturgy: representatives from each parish announce the names of those intending to join the Church to the bishop, who then views these names in the Book of the Elect. After the Liturgy, the bishop signs the book as a witness to their faith.
Following the Rite of Election, the catechumens, now known as “the elect,” begin a period of purification and enlightenment, which is the final, intense preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation during the Easter Vigil.
Also celebrated was the Call to Continuing Conversion, which presented the candidates, or those who were already baptized in other Christian traditions recognized by the Catholic Church, who desire to enter into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.
During Easter Vigil Masses at 114 parishes across the Archdiocese on Holy Saturday, April 19, some 2,669 people are expected to enter the Catholic Church, setting a new record for the Archdiocese, the highest since 2011, when 2,490 joined the Church.