February 13, 2015 (Louisville, Ky.) – Five hundred twenty-one individuals who are preparing to enter the Roman Catholic Church will be recognized during the “Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion” ceremonies at two locations. The first will be on Saturday, February 21, 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption (433 South Fifth Street). The second will be on Sunday, February 22, 2:30 p.m. at St. Gabriel Parish, (5505 Bardstown Road).
During this rite, the Catholic Church acknowledges God’s call to these participants to enter this faith tradition, gives testimony as to their readiness, and witnesses the participants’ acceptance of God’s call. These individuals will formally enter the Church at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday (April 4, 2015) or at other ceremonies during the year.
These men, women, and children from 60 parishes have been participating in a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for a year or more. There are two groups involved:
1. Catechumens – those who have never been baptized: The individuals in this group sign their names to the Book of the Elect. By signing their names to this book, the participants are stating that they intend to enter the Catholic faith through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. The Book of the Elect will be presented to Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz at the Rite of Election ceremony. There are 225 catechumens.
2. Candidates – those baptized in another Christian tradition whose baptism will be recognized by the Catholic Church: This group will enter the church at the Easter Vigil or other ceremonies during the year through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. There are 296 candidates.
