ARCHDIOCESE TO WELCOME 1,142 NEW CATHOLICS
March 2, 2020  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles held two Rite of Election ceremonies yesterday, due to the large number of catechumens affirming their intention to become Catholic, to welcome 1,142 adults and children future Catholics. Archbishop José H. Gomez presided at both services held at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles

“The Rite of Election is a great day for the whole family of God,” said Archbishop Gomez. “And there is great rejoicing in heaven on this day for each of the catechumens who are coming to Jesus Christ and preparing for initiation into his Church!”  

Every year, usually on the First Sunday of Lent, catechumens and their godparents gather at cathedrals throughout the world to celebrate with the local bishop the Rite of Election. This ritual celebrates God’s call to faith in the Christian tradition.

Participants have already gone through a lengthy process of conversion and deepening of their faith that lasts a year or more.

During the Rite of Election, the godparents of the catechumens are called upon to give testimony on behalf of their godchild.  They witness to the fact that the catechumen has faithfully responded to God’s word and has begun to live life in the spirit of the Gospel.

 The Archdiocese will welcome the 1,142 adults and children to the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 11 when they are baptized.

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The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is the largest and most diverse Archdiocese in the United States with approximately five million Catholics. For the latest news, events and to subscribe for media alerts visit media.la-archdiocese.org. Follow us on social media using @LACatholics on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Video archives and footage of Masses celebrated by Archbishop José H. Gomez are also available.