Three hundred and eighty catechumens and 501 candidates from parishes in the Diocese of Sacramento were welcomed during five celebrations of the Rite of Election in Redding, Sacramento and Roseville Feb. 17-18. Bishop Jaime Soto and Auxiliary Bishop Myron J. Cotta presided at this annual celebration welcoming catechumens and candidates for the Easter sacraments.
The Rite of Election, celebrated annually in cathedrals and churches around the world on the first Sunday of Lent, formally acknowledges the readiness of catechumens preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation – baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist – at the Easter Vigil. The rite marks the beginning of the period of purification and enlightenment.
Those who are not yet baptized are called catechumens. At Easter they receive all three sacraments of Christian initiation. Those already baptized in other churches or who were baptized Catholics but not raised in the faith are called candidates. At Easter they receive confirmation and their first Eucharist.
Sponsors and family members of the catechumens and candidates joined in the ceremonies, which were held at St. Clare Parish in Roseville, Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Redding, and at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento.
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In photo above, sponsors participate in the opening procession at St. Clare Church in Roseville.
In photo, below, Bishop Jaime Soto presides at the Rite of Election in St. Clare Church.
