Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will elect and exhort approximately 500 candidates for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist at three celebrations this weekend at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. These men and women will receive these Sacraments in their parishes throughout the five-county Archdiocese at the Easter Vigil and all throughout Easter Time.

Saturday, March 4, 2017
11:00 a.m. (Montgomery and Philadelphia South Catechumens)
3:00 p.m. (Chester and Philadelphia North Catechumens)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Sunday, March 5, 2017
3:00 p.m. (Bucks and Delaware Catechumens)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates signifies an important step for the 557 adults who will receive the Sacraments in the Catholic Church. During the Rite of Election, Archbishop Chaput will elect 235 catechumens (unbaptized candidates) and exhort 322 candidates to further spiritual preparation (those who have been baptized in other faiths or baptized a Roman Catholic).

Lent is a period of purification and enlightenment for these men and women which culminates in the celebration of the Sacraments for the unbaptized at the Easter Vigil, April 15, 2017, and for the baptized candidates on any other day of Easter Time.

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Editor’s Note: For more information on the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion, please visit http://www.odwphiladelphia.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Christian-Initiation-FAQ.pdf