The Rite of Election
The Rite of Election (electio) is a solemn, diocesan celebration during which the Church admits catechumens deemed ready to receive the sacraments of Christian initiation during the upcoming Easter season. The selection of candidates has been preceded by a process of discernment on the part of those involved in the catechumenate (the bishop, the parish priest, godparents, and the parish community). This consultation takes place during the Rite of Election, when the celebrant (the bishop) calls the candidates (catechumens) forward to confirm their desire to receive the sacraments. During this celebration, the godparents publicly fulfill their role for the first time. In this Hozana article, discover everything you need to know about the Rite of Election. At the end of this article, we invite you to explore our other articles on baptism and the sacraments.
When does the Rite of Election take place?
The decisive call takes place on the first Sunday of Lent, although it may sometimes be held during the week before or after that Sunday.
Who presides over the Rite of Election?
The celebration of the Rite of Election is presided over by the bishop. If a diocese no longer has a bishop, the Rite of Election will be presided over by the diocesan administrator or an apostolic administrator.
How does the celebration of the Rite of Election take place?
Learn about the steps of the celebration of the Rite of Election according to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Roll Call
The celebrant calls each catechumen by name, saying, for example: “Let each one respond when their name is called and come forward with their godfather (godmother).”
Each catechumen steps forward and stands before the celebrant with his or her godfather or godmother.
The celebrant addresses the assembly, saying: “The holy Church of God now wishes to be certain that these catechumens are fit to be admitted among the elect to celebrate the coming Easter feasts.”
Then, turning to the godfathers, the celebrant says: “Therefore, godfathers (and godmothers), I ask you to bear witness. Have they been faithful in listening to the Word of God proclaimed by the Church?”
Godparents: Yes (they have been faithful)
The celebrant: Have they begun to live in God’s presence, keeping this Word?
Godparents: Yes (they have begun).
Celebrant: Have they participated in the life of the community and in prayer?
Godparents: Yes (they have participated).
The celebrant then turns to the assembly, stating that those responsible for the catechumenate have determined that they are ready to receive the sacraments.
The celebrant turns one last time to the sponsors, saying: “Before God, do you believe that these candidates may be admitted to the sacraments of Christian initiation?”
Godparents: Yes (we believe so).
Questioning, response from the candidates, and recording of names
The celebrant (the bishop) turns to the candidates and says to them: “Now, dear catechumens, I address you. Your godparents and catechists (and also the entire community) have borne good witness to you. That is why the Church, in the name of Christ, calls you to the sacraments of Easter.
It is therefore up to you, who have long heard the voice of Christ, to respond before the Church by expressing your desire.
Do you wish to be initiated through the sacraments of Christ: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist? ”
The catechumens: We do.
The celebrant: I now invite you to give your names, so that you may share in the Easter sacraments.
The candidates give their names, either remaining in their seats or approaching the celebrant with their godparents.
Admission
Once the names have been recorded, the celebrant turns to the catechumens and may say to them: “(N. and N.), you have been called. You will be initiated into the sacraments of the faith during the upcoming Easter Vigil.”
The catechumens: We give thanks to God
Celebrant: “God is faithful to his call. Now it is your turn to offer him your fidelity, as we have all done by his grace; with all your heart, strive to attain the full truth of this call.”
The celebrant turns to the godparents and says to them: “These catechumens, to whom you have borne witness, are entrusted to you by the Lord. May your fraternal help and your example accompany them to the sacrament of divine life.”
Litany
The celebrant invites the community to pray; he may say, for example:
“Brothers and sisters, as we look forward to the mysteries of the Passion and Resurrection, the sources of salvation, we enter Lent today. The catechumens whom we are accompanying toward the Easter sacraments expect to see in us the sign of a life transformed by baptism. Let us pray to the Lord for them and for ourselves. By encouraging one another in conversion, we will be ready to receive the grace of Easter.”
There are then various options for prayer. Here is one:
A baptized person:
So that the catechumens may remember the day of their calling and
remain grateful for this blessing, let us pray together.
R/ Lord, hear us.
That they may take advantage of this favorable time to renounce evil and
seek, together with us, to become saints, let us pray. R/
For their catechists: that they may help those
who seek it; let us pray. R/
For their godparents: that, in their private lives as well as in
public life, they may bear witness
the Gospel; let us pray together. R/
For their families: may they help them—rather than hinder them—to
follow the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; let us pray together. R/
For our congregation: that during this season of Lent, it may radiate
greater charity and more faithful prayer; let us pray together. R/
For all those who are still hesitant: may they place their
trust in Christ and join, without delay, in our
fraternal communion—let us pray together. R/
Then, the bishop and the priests extend their hands. The bishop may say, for example:
“God our Father,
you have long since gone out to meet your friends;
and have placed on their path
witnesses to your risen Son;
you have revealed to them
the unheard-of mystery of your love.
Today, you call them to become your children
through the baptism of new birth.
Make them docile to your Spirit
and steadfast in their efforts,
so that day by day
more and more faithful to this call.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
All: Amen.
Dismissal of the Catechumens
The celebrant then dismisses the catechumens, saying to them, for example:
“Beloved brothers and sisters: You have set out with us on the journey toward Easter; Christ will be for you the Way, the Truth, and the Life, as you approach the scrutinies, where you will rejoin the community. Go in the peace of Christ.”
The catechumens: We give thanks to God.
The celebration then continues with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
What are the steps following the decisive call?
After the decisive call, the scrutinies take place—there are three of them. They occur on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent.
Let’s pray for the catechumens with Hozana
With Hozana, let us pray for the catechumens, as well as for all those involved in the catechumenate. Let us also pray for more and more conversions. Hozana offers many prayer suggestions, such as:
