February 17, 1999
Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion for Those Entering into Full Communion, a significant step for people who are joining the Catholic Church. There will be three celebrations.
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia
Saturday, February 20, 1999 6:00 p.m. - Philadelphia-South parishes
Chester County parishes
Sunday, February 21, 1999 2:00 p.m. - Bucks County parishes
Delaware County parishes
Sunday, February 21, 1999 6:00 p.m . - Philadelphia-North parishes
Montgomery County parishes
Catechumens are adults who have never been baptized who wish to become Catholics. Candidates are adults who were baptized in a Christian faith and desire to come into full communion with the Catholic Church. During the ceremony, Cardinal Bevilacqua will declare the Church's approval for the catechumens and the candidates to continue their endeavors to become full members of the Church.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process that prepares adults to join the Catholic Church through the process of education, reflection, parish support, and formation. Catechumens will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil Mass, known as a time of rebirth. More than 1200 catechumens and candidates representing 180 parishes from throughout the Archdiocese will participate in the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion celebrations.
Contact
John Miller
Broadcast and Media Specialist
215-587-3747