Rite of Election

Those catechumens preparing to enter the Church at Easter through the initiationSacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist will participate in the Rite ofElection on the first Sunday of Lent. The rite also recognizes the candidates who seek toenter into full communion with the Church by their profession of faith. Pastors, parish catechumenate leaders, godparents, sponsors, and family members will be present to witness this next step in the final stage of preparation.

 The Rite of Election will be celebrated in the Diocese of Victoria, Sunday, February 22,2026 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, Victoria, Texas at 2:00 p.m. The MostReverend Brendan J. Cahill, presiding.

The Rite of Election, celebrated in the presence of the Bishop, acknowledges that oneenters the universal faith community of the Church in addition to the particular parish faithcommunity. Prior to the diocesan celebration, parishes will celebrate the Rite of Sending.The Rite of Sending addresses "the entire community of the faithful, so that all will beencouraged to give good example and to accompany the candidates along the path of thepaschal mystery." All of the liturgical rites associated with the Order of Christian Initiationof Adults (OCIA) remind parishioners of their responsibility to assist in the preparation ofthose joining the Church. It also serves to remind parishioners of their own continuing faithjourney. The names of the elect will be inscribed in the parish Book of the Elect, and theBook will be presented to the Bishop at the diocesan ceremony.

The Rite of Election will be set within the Liturgy of the Hours; Midafternoon prayer,and include: Readings from Sacred Scripture, a Homily, the Presentation and reading ofthe names of the Catechumens, and affirmation and support by their godparents and those gathered who represent the entire church, the Presentation and reading of the names of the Candidates planning to enter into full communion with the Church, and affirmation and support by their Sponsors and Assembly, and Prayers of intercession forCatechumens and Candidates.