Photos: Those seeking to join the church are welcomed during Rite of Election

Bishop Donald Kettler celebrated the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion Feb. 21 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. There are a total of 32 candidates and 17 catechumens from 23 parishes in the diocese this year.