Rite of Election & Call to Continuing Conversion

Traditionally held on the first weekend of Lent, the Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates are important steps for those journeying to the Catholic faith, marking the beginning of their final preparation for reception of the sacraments at Easter.Catechumens are those who have never been baptized in any Christian tradition, while candidates are those who have been baptized in another Christian faith, but who have not received the other initiation sacraments of confirmation and first Eucharist.

What happens during the Rite of Election?

During the Rite of Election, catechumens, accompanied by their godparents, stand before the bishop who, representing the Church, inquires as to whether they are sufficiently prepared to enter the Church. Receiving acknowledgement from the godparents that they have listened and responded to God's word and have begun to walk in God's presence, the bishop then addresses the assembly, receiving assurance of parishioners' willingness to support the catechumens.
The catechumens themselves then affirm their desire for baptism and to be enrolled among the “Elect,” those chosen by God and his Church. The catechumens' names are entered into their parish’s Book of the Elect, which the bishop signs.

What happens during the Call to Continuing Conversion?

Similar to what happens during the Rite of Election, parish representatives present to the bishop those who are candidates -- individuals wishing to complete their Christian initiation and to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.

The candidates’ sponsors attest that the individuals have listened to the apostles’ instruction proclaimed by the Church, have come to a deeper appreciation of their baptism, have reflected sufficiently on the traditions of the Church, and have advanced in a life of love and service to others.

The assembly then acknowledges they will support the candidates on their journeys, after which the bishop, on behalf of the Church, formally recognizes their desire to receive the sacraments.

To read more about the 2026 Rite of Election, visit portlanddiocese.org/news/more-than-280-people-participate-in-the-rite-of-election-and-call-to-continuing-conversion.