Rite of Election 2013
The Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates was held on February 17, 2013, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona and Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown. A catechumen, someone who is seeking baptism, celebrates God's call to live a life as a Christian. His or her presence at the Rite of Election is a public recognition of his or her "yes" to living a new life in God within the Roman Catholic Church. A catechmen signs his or her name in the Book of the Elect and is now enrolled as a member in the Order of Catechumens. A candidate, someone who is already baptized and seeking full communion in the Catholic Church, celebrates the Rite of the Call to Continuing Conversion. Candidates, by virtue of their baptism, already have their names written in the "Book of Heaven." We celebrate the anticipation of becoming one at the Eucharistic Table. [Photo: Kristi Winter, a catechumen from Sacred Heart Parish in Altoona, signs the Book of the Elect as her sponsor, Deb Muccitelli and Deacon John Rys look on.