February 6, 2003

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org

Archdiocese Prepares for Rite of Election

        The Archdiocese of Portland has planned six celebrations for the Rite of Election
around western Oregon. The Rite of Election is one of the liturgical rites that mark
significant steps in the Christian Initiation of Adults for those seeking to join the Catholic
Church at Easter. Last year nearly 1800 adults joined the Church at Easter. Some of
those joining the Church celebrated the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation
and Eucharist. Others were seeking to enter into full communion with the Catholic
Church having been baptized in another Christian community.

        The Rite of Election is traditionally held on or near the first Sunday of Lent. Due
to the large number of participants expected, there will be six celebrations of the Rite in
the Archdiocese of Portland. The celebrations will be held:

Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m., Our Lady of the Mountain Parish, Ashland
Archbishop John G. Vlazny

Saturday, March 8, 7:00 p.m., St. Monica Parish, Coos Bay
Archbishop John G. Vlazny

Saturday, March 8, 7:30 p.m., St. Mary's Cathedral, Portland
Bishop Kenneth D. Steiner

Sunday, March 9, 2:00 p.m., St. Mary's Cathedral, Portland
Bishop Kenneth D. Steiner

Sunday, March 9, 2:00 p.m., St. Paul Parish, Eugene
Archbishop John G. Vlazny

Sunday, March 9, 7:30 p.m., St. Mary's Cathedral, Portland
Archbishop John G. Vlazny

        The Rite of Election signifies that God has called, or elected, the participant to
celebrate the sacraments of initiation and entry into the Church. The Rite of Election is
celebrated in the presence of the Bishop, which acknowledges that one enters the
universal faith community of the Church in addition to joining a particular parish
community. Each parish will celebrate a ceremony of "sending" the Catechumens
(those preparing for baptism) and the Candidates (those preparing to enter into full
communion with the Church) to the Rite of Election. This Rite of Sending serves to
encourage those going to meet the Bishop, but also serves as a reminder to the entire
parish community of their responsibility to support those preparing for entry into the
Church at Easter.

        Those participating in the Rite of Election will be accompanied by their
Godparents and Sponsors, by the parish team members helping to prepare them, by
family members and members of the parish staff. The names of the Catechumens and
Candidates will be inscribed in the parish Book of the Elect, which will be presented to
the Bishop at the Rite of Election. The format of the Rite of Election includes:

> Readings from Scripture,
> Homily,
> Presentation and reading of the names of those preparing for baptism – the
   Catechumens, an affirmation of support by their Godparents and the Assembly,
> Presentation and reading of the names the Candidates planning to enter into full
   communion with the Church, an affirmation of support by their Sponsors and the
   Assembly,
> Prayers of Intercession for the Catechumens and Candidates.

        The Lenten season will be a time of final prayer and preparation for those
planning to enter the Church this Easter.

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