Posted March 1, 2023

On the first Sunday of Lent, some 435 people preparing to enter full communion with the Catholic Church this Easter received a welcome from Archbishop Pérez during Rite of Election liturgies Feb. 25 – Feb. 26 at the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

There are close to 200 catechumens preparing to enter the Catholic Church through reception of the sacraments of baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation, plus over 235 candidates who were validly baptized in another Christian denomination and will receive their remaining sacraments of initiation into the church. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Catechumen

  • Candidates

  • Candidates

  • Catechumen stand before Archbishop as they are called

  • Books of the Elect are presented to Archbishop for the Catechumens to become the Elect

  • Books of the Elect are presented to Archbishop for the Catechumens to become the Elect

  • Books of the Elect are presented to Archbishop for the Catechumens to become the Elect

  • Books of the Elect are presented to Archbishop for the Catechumens to become the Elect

  • Candidates

  • Presentation of Catechumen

  • Presentation of Catechumen

  • Books of the Elect are presented to Archbishop for the Catechumens to become the Elect

  • Sponsors affirm their candidates

  • The people applaud after the catechumen and candidates are called

  • Books of the Elect are presented to Archbishop for the Catechumens to become the Elect

  • Books of the Elect are presented to Archbishop for the Catechumens to become the Elect

  • Candidates stand before Archbishop