THE RITE OF ELECTION

AND
THE CALL TO CONTINUING CONVERSION
IN THE DIOCESE OF MEMPHIS
2024

INFORMATION FOR CATECHUMENS AND CANDIDATES

On the First Sunday of Lent this year, you will celebrate an important step in your journey toward becoming a fully
initiated member of the Catholic Church. Following are some points for your review as you prepare for the
celebration of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates.

As you know by now, catechumens are those who have not been baptized in a Christian tradition; candidates have
been baptized in a Christian tradition other than the Catholic Church. The Rite of Election is for catechumens; the
Call to Continuing Conversion is for candidates. The Catholic Church makes this distinction because of its profound
regard for Christian baptism.

This celebration will take place on Sunday, February 18th at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception,
1695 Central Avenue, Memphis. Because of space and seating considerations, the celebration will take
place twice – once at 3:00 pm and again at 7:00 pm. Your Initiation Coordinator or Pastor will let you know
which time they have chosen for your parish.

Initiation Coordinators, Catechumens, Candidates, and all Sponsors are asked to arrive at the
Cathedral at least one hour before the liturgy. Please come to Marian Hall, which is on the lower level of
the Cathedral.

Your Initiation Coordinator will meet you in Marian Hall and complete your registration. You and
your sponsor may then go upstairs and be seated in the Cathedral.

There will be reserved seating for Catechumens, Candidates, Sponsors, and Initiation coordinators.
Your family and friends will sit in the unreserved sections of the Cathedral. It would be good to encourage
them to arrive early as well.

Catechumens and Sponsors: During the celebration, the names of catechumens will be called. When your
name is called, please stand and remain standing in place until all have been called. Bishop Talley will then
address sponsors and catechumens. Your responses will be in the printed worship aid. They are also
printed on side two of this sheet so that you can be familiar with them and comfortable in your response.
Bishop will then invite catechumens to come forward with their sponsors and sign their name on one of the
pages that will be placed in the Book of the Elect. Only the Catechumens should sign the Book of the
Elect, not the sponsors. A Minister of Hospitality will come to the end of your pew and indicate when you
are to come forward. After signing the page for the Book of the Elect, the catechumen and sponsor will
proceed to the floor in front of the sanctuary, and remain there until all catechumens have signed a page in
the Book of the Elect. An usher will assist you so you will know exactly where to go. When all have finished
signing, the Bishop will declare you to be members of the elect. The Bishop will say a few more words to
you and then invite you and your sponsor to exchange a sign of peace. An usher will then lead you back to
your seat.

Candidates and Sponsors: After the Catechumens have returned to their seats, the names of candidates
will be called. When your name is called, please stand and remain standing until all have been called. The
Bishop will then ask you to come forward with your sponsor. An usher will come to your pew and direct
you to a place at the foot of the altar platform. The Bishop will then address the Sponsors and Candidates.
Your responses will be in the printed program. They are also printed on side two of this sheet so that you
 can become familiar with them and comfortable with your response. After the Bishop invites you and your
Sponsor to exchange a sign of peace, an usher will direct you back to your seat.

Immediately following the liturgy, Bishop Talley will process directly downstairs to Marian Hall. Sponsors,
Candidates and the newly Elect will process downstairs behind Bishop Talley, and there you will have
an opportunity to greet the Bishop personally. We hope you will remain for the reception and meet some of
the Candidates and Elect from other parishes in the Diocese.

Many people throughout the Diocese of Memphis are praying for you during these exciting days. We are looking
forward to celebrating with you on February 18th, 2024.

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RITE OF ELECTION – Responses for Catechumens

Presentation of the Catechumens

Affirmation by the Godparents

To each question, the Godparents respond: “THEY HAVE”

Affirmation by the Assembly

Act of Recognition
The Bishop acknowledges the testimony received on behalf of the Catechumens and then asks them to publicly
state their desire for initiation. The Bishop concludes by saying: “Therefore, do you wish to enter fully into the life
of the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist?” The Catechumens respond:
“WE DO.”

Enrollment of Names

Act of Admission of Election

After all the Catechumens have come forward, the Bishop declares them to be Members of the Elect… “I now
declare you to be members of the Elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil. The Elect
respond: “THANKS BE TO GOD.”

CALL TO CONTINUING CONVERSION – Responses for Candidates

Presentation of the Candidates

Affirmation by the Sponsors

To each question, the Godparents respond: “THEY HAVE”

Affirmation by the Assembly

Act of Recognition
The Bishop recognizes the desire of the Candidates to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and to have a place
at Christ’s Eucharistic table. Bishop completes this recognition with the words “…and be faithful to your baptismal
covenant. The Candidates respond: “THANKS BE TO GOD”