Celebrating the Rite of Election

Yesterday in the Archdiocese of New Orleans we celebrated the Rite of Election at St. Louis Cathedral and again tonight on the Northshore at Mary Queen of Peace.  We have over 400 catechumens and candidates who will become members of the only church established directly by Jesus Christ; His bride, the Holy Catholic Church!

Here is an article describing the Rite of Election followed by a picture from the New Orleans group of soon to be Catholics:

What is the Rite of Election?

At the heart of our Christian life is the understanding that each of us is called by God. We recall the words of Christ who said “You did not choose me, no I chose you”. Not only does Christ choose, he calls us and knows us by name. Both of these are encapsulated in the Rite of Election which is celebrated in Catholic cathedrals throughout our countries at the beginning of Lent each year.
The Rite of Election is a significant step for those who want to be received into the Catholic Church - preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist at Easter. After the candidates have completed their formation in the Catholic faith, the Rite of Election is celebrated by the local Bishop who chooses them and elects them in the name of the Lord and of the local Church to which they belong.
Election in our contemporary culture often signifies a contest or our choosing something or somebody. The Rite of Election is not about the candidates choosing the Sacraments of Initiation, rather, as in the great scriptural tradition of election, it is about God’s choice of the person. For Christians this is the call to embrace the mission of Jesus, the mission of God’s Kingdom.
The call, the election, of the Church embodies in human voice the call of God to which the candidates have already responded. They are then asked to express their response here and now in the presence of the Church “Do you wish to enter fully into the life of the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist?” They respond “We do.”
The candidates then inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect. This signifies that they have heard God call their name and wish to respond to his call.