Posted March 15, 2019

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)

  • Lindsey Goodin of St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Fairless Hills, greets Archbishop Chaput during the Rite of Election.

  • Archbishop Chaput preaches during the Rite of Election as (from left) Father Kyle Adamczyk, Father Addisalem Mekonnen and Msgr. Kenneth McAteer listen in the cathedral sanctuary.

  • Holy Child Sister Carmen Torres from St. Peter the Apostle Parish carries the Book of the Elect.

  • Spencer Sargent St. Barbara Parish meets the archbishop.

  • The congregation applauds those who will enter the church at Easter.

  • Sponsors support the candidates during the Rite of Election.

  • Moises Ziniga Posada of St. Ignatius Parish, Yardley.

  • Catechumen Megan Gilbert from St. John the Baptist Parish, Ottsville.

  • Candidates stand at the altar while the congregation offers their support.

  • The books of the elect are presented to the archbishop by representatives of the participating parishes.

  • Nico Cintron attends Mass with his mother Zuleyka in support of a family member.