This year on the First and Second Sunday of Lent, Most Reverend J. Michael Miller, CSB will lead the Archdiocese of Vancouver in the Rite of Election of Catechumens and of the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. The catechumens are seeking to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. The candidates are preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or reception into the full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.

Archbishop Michael calls the catechumens and candidates to this Rite as our chief shepherd and teacher of the faith along with many priests, deacons and faithful. This is a celebration of the Church!

We come from so many of the parish communities throughout the Archdiocese with godparents and sponsors to hear the holy Word of God at this Rite of Election. This saving Word has formed and guided us in the Catholic Faith with its promise of divine life celebrated in the Sacraments.

This celebration begins a new period for the Elect, the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, with its scrutinies and presentations of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, with its prayer and penance, to ready the Elect for full immersion into Christ’s Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist at the great Easter Vigil.

This Rite of Election celebration gives fresh meaning to this Lenten season for all of the Candidates, those already baptized, as they look forward to completing the Christian Initiation with Easter time. The commitment and perseverance of the Elect, calls each of us to deeper communion with Jesus Christ as we turn away from sin and seek to live more fully his Gospel in the Church.

Let us enter into the mystery of this Sunday celebration of the Rite of Election and of the Call to Continuing Conversion with the joy that comes from belonging to the Church, supporting one another.

You are invited to join Archbishop Miller, the RCIA leaders, and the catachumens this Sunday March 10/Sunday March 17 at 2 PM for this special Mass.

-Fr. Galvon