During the Rite of Election, Feb. 28 and March 1, nearly 900 adult-aged catechumens signed their names into the Book of the Elect, an act signifying their desire to enter fully into the life of the Catholic Church through the Easter Sacraments.
This year, the Rite of Election took place in the diocese over two days at five different parishes representing the six vicariates. The number of catechumens and location of the Rites of Election are broken down below by vicariate.
The Hemet Vicariate welcomed 200 catechumens and the Riverside Vicariate welcomed 118 catechumens into the Elect during the Rite of Election on March 1 at St. Frances of Rome Church in Wildomar, with Bishop Alberto Rojas presiding.
The High Desert Vicariate welcomed 94 catechumens into the Elect during the Rite of Election on Feb. 28 at Holy Family Church in Hesperia, with Monsignor Gerard Lopez, Vicar General, presiding.
The Low Desert Vicariate welcomed 134 catechumens into the Elect during the Rite of Election on Feb. 28 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in La Quinta, with Bishop Alberto Rojas presiding.
The San Bernardino Vicariate welcomed 196 catechumens into the Elect during the Rite of Election on March 1 at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in Yucaipa, with the Father Rafael Partida, Episcopal Vicar, presiding.
The West End Vicariate welcomed 156 catechumens into the Elect during the Rite of Election on Feb. 28 at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga, with Father Partida presiding.
Once the catechumens become members of the Elect, they continue the Lenten journey and go through a period of Purification and Enlightenment, when there is more intense spiritual preparation and reflection intended to purify their minds and hearts, coinciding with Renewal of Baptismal Promises and Penance during Lent.
Then, at Easter Vigil, the Elect receive their Sacraments of Initiation, where they are baptized, confirmed and receive the Holy Eucharist, becoming fully initiated into the Catholic Church.