More than 1,400 faithful join Archbishop for Rite of Election

More than 1,400 people gathered with Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption on February 18 for the annual Rite of Election. Among the attendees were 220 catechumens and 224 candidates for Confirmations with their sponsors. Represented were 51 parishes and one school—Archbishop Riordan High School.

The Rite of Election is part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) where Catechumens indicate their desire to join the Catholic Church. Catechumens are those individuals who will be baptized into the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass.  

Candidates for Confirmation are also presented, and their sponsors attest to the candidates’ readiness for the Sacrament. Candidates who are presented for Confirmation are individuals who have been baptized but who have not been confirmed or received the Eucharist.

In his homily, Archbishop Cordileone noted a contradiction that in a world where faith often seems to be on the decline, the example of so many in attendance at this special event shows that the faith is alive in the world today.

“We see that in this Rite of Election which we celebrate this afternoon, it is always a high point for us every year in our Archdiocese when our whole archdiocesan family comes together as one family of God,” said Archbishop Cordileone. “Tonight is the fruit of the living faith of so many who are seeking to know and spread the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you!”