February 4, 2004

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

Archdiocese celebrates the Rite of Election

        The Archdiocese of Portland will celebrate the Rite of Election at six celebrations
for those planning to join the Church this Easter. The Rite of Election marks a
significant step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The Rite of Election
signifies that God has called, or elected, the participant to celebrate the sacraments of
initiation and entry into the Church. Lent is the final time of prayer and preparation for
those planning to enter the Church.

        Traditionally, the Rite of Election is held on the first Sunday of Lent. Due to the
large number of participants, the Archdiocese will hold six celebrations. The
celebrations will be held:

Saturday, February 28, 7:30 p.m. St. Mary's Cathedral, Portland Bishop Steiner

Sunday, February 29, 2:00 p.m. St. Mary's Cathedral, Portland Archbishop Vlazny

Sunday, February 29, 7:30 p.m. St. Mary's Cathedral, Portland Archbishop Vlazny

Saturday, March 6, 10:00 a.m. St. Anne Church, Grants Pass Archbishop Vlazny

Saturday, March 6, 7:00 p.m. Holy Redeemer, North Bend Archbishop Vlazny

Sunday, March 7, 2:00 p.m. St. Alice Church, Springfield Archbishop Vlazny

        The Rite of Election is celebrated in the presence of the Bishop, and
acknowledges that one enters the universal faith community of the Church in addition to
the particular parish faith community. Parishes will celebrate the Rite of Sending before
the participants leave for the Archdiocesan celebration. The Rite of Sending addresses
"the entire community of the faithful, so that all will be encouraged to give good example
and to accompany the candidates along the path of the paschal mystery." All of the
liturgical rites associated with the RCIA remind parishioners of their responsibility to
assist in the preparation of those joining the Church. It also serves to remind
parishioners of their own continuing faith journey. The names of the elect will be
inscribed in the parish Book of the Elect, and the Book will be presented to the
Archbishop/Bishop at the diocesan ceremony.

        The Rite of Election will be celebrated for those catechumens entering the
Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The
Rite also recognizes the candidates who will enter into full communion with the Church
by a Profession of Faith. Pastors, parish catechumenate teams, godparents, sponsors
and family members will accompany the catechumens and candidates.
The format for the Rite of Election includes:

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

                                                                     ###

Return to Current News Releases                         Return to February 2004 News Releases