A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RCIA PROCESS, THE RITE OF ELECTION & CALL TO CONTINUING CONVERSION
 
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, is the process through which persons of catechetical age who have never been baptized, as well as those already baptized in another Christian tradition, can respond to God's loving invitation to conversion and Christian discipleship by preparing for initiation into the Catholic Church. Through prayer, study, and interaction with a particular Catholic worshiping community – highlighted by participation in a series of liturgical rites celebrated within that parish community – the RCIA process helps catechumens and candidates to grow in faith and the love of Christ as they begin to experience what it means to live as Catholic Christian disciples of Jesus.

Who is a catechumen?

Those never baptized undergo a period of catechetical preparation and spiritual formation, after which they may become catechumens. During their time as catechumens, they deepen their understanding of the faith in order to ready themselves for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Rite of Election is the ritual that marks their entry into the final phase of their preparation to receive the sacraments of initiation, usually at the Easter Vigil. Following the Rite of Election, they are called “the elect,” since they have been elected by the Church (in the person of the archbishop) to become members. 

Who is a candidate?

In addition, those already validly baptized in a different Christian tradition (such as Baptist or Methodist) who experience a call to become Catholic are called candidates for reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. By virtue of their baptism, they are already adopted children of God, brothers or sisters within our Catholic family. In order to become Catholic they must complete their initiation through a profession of faith, followed by reception of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. During Lent, these candidates are invited to join the elect in their final period of preparation for these sacraments of initiation, which are normally celebrated at Easter.

The Rite of Election in the Archdiocese of New Orleans

In the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Rite of Election (for the catechumens) is celebrated jointly with the Call to Continuing Conversion (for the candidates) during the first week of Lent. Then, throughout the remainder of Lent – which focuses on the need for ongoing conversion – the elect and candidates join with Catholics throughout the world in seeking to deepen their faith, grow in holiness, and strengthen their relationships with God and neighbor.

2022 Rite of Election Dates

 
Southshore Celebration:
Sunday, March 6, 2022
2:00pm

 Northshore Celebration:
Monday, March 7, 2022
7:00pm

For additional information or assistance, please contact Deacon Michael Whitehouse 
at  504-861-6285 or [email protected].