Rite of Election

Authority level: Authoritative doctrine
Disciplinary status: Church discipline
Theological status: Theological synthesis
GuideThe entry combines Catholic doctrine about worship with approved liturgical discipline and theological explanation; the labels do not make every ceremonial norm irreformable.
Contents

Rite of Election is the liturgical enrollment of properly prepared catechumens among the elect who will complete their preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

The Church's election

The Rite of Election, also called the Enrollment of Names, is the second major liturgical step in the initiation of unbaptized adults. After the catechumenate, the Church chooses and admits those judged ready to enter the final preparation for the sacraments of initiation. The term election refers first to God's gracious choice, acknowledged through the Church; it is not a contest among candidates.[1]

The rite is ordinarily celebrated by the diocesan bishop or his delegate, commonly on the First Sunday of Lent. Catechists, godparents, and the community testify to the catechumens' readiness; the catechumens affirm their intention; their names are enrolled; and the celebrant declares them members of the elect.[2]

Discernment before enrollment

Election presupposes a conversion of mind and conduct, sufficient acquaintance with Christian teaching, a spirit of faith and charity, and a deliberate intention to receive the Church's sacraments. The pastoral judgment should be serious and personal. A calendar date by itself does not create readiness, and the rite should not be reduced to a graduation from classes.

The whole Church participates in the discernment according to each member's office. The bishop's judgment, the testimony of those responsible for formation, the godparents' witness, and the catechumens' free petition together make visible that initiation is both a personal response to grace and an incorporation into an ecclesial body.[3]

The period of purification and enlightenment

After election, the elect enter the period of purification and enlightenment, ordinarily corresponding to Lent and ordered more to interior recollection than to introductory instruction. The scrutinies, presentations, prayer, and penance prepare them for the Paschal sacraments, normally celebrated at the Easter Vigil.

Baptized Christians preparing for reception into full communion are candidates, not catechumens, and are not elected for Baptism they have already received. Approved rites may call them to continuing conversion, but this must remain distinct from the election of the unbaptized and must respect the dignity and irrevocability of Christian Baptism.

References

  1. 1.Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, Rite of Election — The approved liturgical order for election or enrollment of names
  2. 2.Ad gentes, 14 — The catechumenate, successive sacred rites, and the community's responsibility
  3. 3.Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1246–1255 — Adult Baptism, catechumenal formation, and baptismal faith