Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at three celebrations of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. This is an important step for 895 adults who have chosen to join the Catholic Church. All of the celebrations will be at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia.

Saturday, February 20, 2010
6:30 p.m.
Philadelphia - South Vicariate
Chester County Vicariate

Sunday, February 21, 2010
2:30 p.m.
Philadelphia - North Vicariate
Montgomery County Vicariate

Sunday, February 21, 2010
6:30 p.m.
Bucks County Vicariate
Delaware County Vicariate


During the Rite of Election, Cardinal Rigali will receive and bless 487 candidates (those who have been baptized in other faiths) and 408 catechumens (those who have not been baptized). The Liturgical music will be provide by St. Norbert Parish choir on Saturday and the One Voice combined choir on Sunday. After a reflective and intense period of prayer during Lent, the catechumens and candidates will become full members of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass in their parishes on Saturday, April 3, 2010.

Editor's Note: Television cameras will not be permitted in the Cathedral. An audio and video mult-box feed will be provided in the parking lot of the Cathedral. Please enter on 17th Street, between Race and Vine Streets. Crews will need a bnc connector and a recording deck or a live truck. Reporters and still photographers are welcome in the Cathedral.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747