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2011 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion

The Rite of Election is a joyful celebration where those preparing to become Catholic begin the final phase of their preparation. During recent years, a number of individuals have requested a single celebration of the Rite of Election, where all of the catechumens and candidates from throughout the Archdiocese could come together in a single location. The celebration of four sessions of the Rite had advantages, in that parishes had more flexibility regarding time and location, but they did not bring the whole Archdiocese together in the way that a single celebration could. As our numbers of catechumens and candidates continue to increase, it seemed that it would be difficult to have adequate space for the Rite even with four locations, and so Archbishop Gregory authorized the celebration of a single Rite of Election for the entire Archdiocese of Atlanta.

Our next Rite of Election will be celebrated Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 2:00 PM, at the Atlanta Civic Center. There is no charge for the parishes attending the Rite, but the Civic Center charges $5.00 per car for parking. Costs also preclude the hosting of a reception following the Rite.

Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory delivers the homily during the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion before a capcity crowd at St. Pius X School, Atlanta. Photo by Michael Alexander, The Georgia Bulletin

About the Rite

Each director will come forward to read the names of the catechumens. For reasons of time, the candidates will not be called by name, but will be asked to rise when their parish name is called. After reading the names, the director will present their Book of the Elect to Archbishop Gregory.

Transportation

Parking is available at the Atlanta Civic Center.  The Civic Center charges a fee of $5.00 per vehicle.  The Civic Center can also be reached from the Civic Center Marta station.

Priests and Deacons

Priests and deacons are free to sit either with their communities or to vest in an alb and stole and sit in the sanctuary.

RCIA/OCI Coordinators

[Day of the Rite Instructions]

[Downloadable RSVP Form]

Parish directors are asked to bring their Book of the Elect, with the names of the catechumens already inscribed. There will be a meeting for the directors a half hour before the rite begins to review their role in the ceremony and answer any questions.

May God bless the Archdiocese of Atlanta and our candidates and catechumens!

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