RITE OF ELECTION

Diocese to welcome 134 newly baptized this Easter, an increase of 347 percent since 2021

Ethan Noonan is show with his fiancée, Hope Secore, a catechumen, during the Rite Of Election Service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 22 (Thomas Killips photo). (Courtesy photo of Tom Killips)

On Feb. 22 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, 134 Catechumens and their godparents celebrated the Rite of Election with Bishop Mark O’Connell presiding on the first Sunday of Lent. Catechumens line up to sign the book during the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. (Thomas Killips photos)

The Rite of Election is part of the OCIA process, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. Typically, on the first Sunday of Lent, the Catechumens, their sponsors and families gather at the cathedral church. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect.”Bishop Mark O'Connell wishes the catechumens the best on their journey during the Rite of Election at the Cathedral of The Immaculate Conception on Feb. 22. 

According to data collected by parishes across the 14-county Diocese, the number of adults being baptized into the faith has risen steadily over the last five years. In 2021, the Diocese welcomed 30 Catechumens. The number climbed to 58 in 2022, 95 in 2024, and this year, 134 Catechumens will be welcomed into the Church. Gracie Anuszewski signs the book during the Rite of Election at the Cathedral.

 At the Easter Vigil Masses on Saturday, April 4, the newly Elect will receive the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation.  At many parishes, Candidates will also receive sacraments. Candidates are people who have been baptized but may not have received the Sacraments of First Communion or Confirmation. Katherine Ausin (c.) is shown with her godparent Gloria Bruschi during the Rite of Election service.