Cathedral hosts Rite of Election liturgies the first Sunday of Lent

Hundreds of adult and youth catechumens — representing churches located across all five pastoral regions of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles — participated in two Rite of Election liturgies at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown Los Angeles on Feb. 14 to began the final stage in their journey toward becoming Catholic. During each of the liturgies, traditionally held on the first Sunday of Lent, the catechumens were called forth for presentation, affirmation and the enrollment of names. Accompanied by their sponsors and the initiation directors from their parishes, the large group overflowed the cathedral sanctuary during both services. The Rite of Election officially marks the transition from the catechumenate into the Elect. They will now participate in the final period of preparation — including the Scrutinies on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent — before receiving the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.