Catechumens preparing to be baptized Catholics and candidates preparing to enter fully into the Catholic Church by receiving the sacraments of penance and Eucharist gathered last weekend for three ceremonies in the Rite of Election at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. Archbishop Charles Chaput presided at a Liturgy of the Word, preached and welcomed all of the elect on Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m. (photos below) and again later that afternoon and the following day. In total, 196 catchumens and 267 candidates will be received into the church at Easter from 102 parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. (Photos by Sarah Webb)