RITE OF ELECTION

March 1, 2024 at 11:08 a.m.

Jocelyn Hanrahan of St. Mary’s Church in Oneonta, center, stands with fellow catechumens when they are declared members of the elect during the Rite of Election on Feb. 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Chris Churchill of St. Pius X Church in Loudonville (center in white shirt) stands with fellow catechumens when they are declared members of the elect during the Rite of Election on Feb. 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

The Book of the Elect is shown during the Rite of Election on Feb. 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger poses for pictures with newly elects from St. Paul the Apostle Church in Schenectady after the Rite of Election on Feb. 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger signs the Book of the Elect after catechumens register their names during the Rite of Election on Feb. 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Sponsors join catechumens as they register their names in the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election on Feb. 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Sponsors join catechumens as they meet Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, right, and register their names in the Book of the Elect, left, during the Rite of Election on Feb. 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger greets catechumens and their sponsors during the Rite of Election on Feb. 18 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. (Cindy Schultz photo for The Evangelist) **(CINDY SCHULTZ)**

According to the USCCB, "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." In the Diocese of Albany, the Rite of Election took place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Feb. 18 with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger presiding.