The annual Rite of Election, in which catechumens and candidates on their way toward becoming Catholic are presented to the local bishops, takes place at two locations in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Sunday, Feb. 22 — the Cathedral of St. Paul (2 p..m.) and the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis (1:30 p.m.), with Archbishop John Nienstedt receiving the catechumens and candidates at the cathedral, and Bishop Lee Piché receiving them at the basilica. A total of 200 catechumens and 451 candidates are scheduled to attend at the two locations, representing 93 parishes. In this photo, Bishop Andrew Cozzens greets a catechumen during last year’s Rite of Election at the cathedral. In the rite, catechumens (those wishing to join the Church who have not been baptized) come forward with their sponsors and RCIA directors and present their parish Book of the Elect, which has their signatures. Following the presentation of the catechumens, candidates (those who have been baptized) are invited to stand and be acknowledged. Dave Hrbacek/The Catholic Spirit
