Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. This marks an important step for adults who have chosen to join the Catholic Church. Three celebrations will take place this weekend for the six Vicariates of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All of the masses will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

Saturday, February 12, 2005
6:30 p.m.
Montgomery County Vicariate
Philadelphia - South Vicariate


Sunday, February 13, 2005
2:00 p.m.
Bucks County Vicariate
Delaware County Vicariate


Sunday, February 13, 2005
6:30 p.m.
Chester County Vicariate
Philadelphia - North Vicariate


During the Rite of Election, Cardinal Rigali will receive and bless 529 candidates (those who have been baptized in other faiths) and 398 Catechumens (those who have not been baptized) from 165 parishes in the Archdioceses. After a reflective and intense period of prayer during Lent, catechumens and candidates will become full members of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass on March 26, 2005.


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Donna M. Farrell
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