Bishop Donald Kettler celebrated the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion March 6 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud with catechumens and candidates from around the diocese. Catechumens are those who are preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation — baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist — at the Easter Vigil. Candidates have been baptized and now seek full communion with the Catholic Church through confirmation and/or the Eucharist. The Rite of Election is celebrated during Lent as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process.
Jeremiah Reinert, a candidate from St. Joseph Parish in St. Joseph, is welcomed by Bishop Kettler after his name is announced.
Bishop Kettler and everyone gathered for the service applaud the candidates after they are presented.
Kazuyo Kavajecz from St. Donatus in Brooten is welcomed by Bishop Kettler during the service.
Catechumen Alexis Danner, from St. Ann in Brandon, is blessed at the end of the Rite of Election.
Catechumen Aaron Lee Winger, from St. Mary Parish in Mora, adds his name to the Book of the Elect.
Candidate Francisco Corrales Lopez from St. Joseph Parish in Waite Park laughs with Bishop Donald Kettler after the Rite of Election. Bishop Kettler visited and posed for photos with the candidates and catechumens and their families after the service.