Rite of Election of Catechumens and of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion 2026

Please note that in 2026 we will offer only TWO DATES for the
Rite of Election of Catechumens and of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion 

Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties

Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Delaware County, Philadelphia North, and Philadelphia South

Guidance For Parishes For Christian Initiation of Adults

1. Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

• 1. • Inquirer’s Interview/Information Form (in English)
     • Entrevista al solicitante/Formulario de información (en español)

2. First step: Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens

3. Period of the Catechumenate

• 1. • Breaking Open the Word – Cycle A
     • Breaking Open the Word – Cycle B
     • Breaking Open the Word – Cycle C

4.Second Step: Election or Enrollment of Names (all registration forms are required)

• 1. • 2025 Rite of Election Coordinator Detailed Memo 
     • 2026 Save the Date
     • Catechumens Registration Form
     • Candidates Registration Form
     • Parish Participation Registration Form

• 1. • – Rite of Election Materials:
       Name Tags
       Catechumens/ Godparents tags
       Candidates/Sponsors tags
       Presenter of the Book of the Elect

• • • • In case of snow

5. Period of Purification and Enlightenment

• OCIA Day of Reflection 2025
  An Archdiocesan Retreat for Adults in Sacramental Formation is scheduled for April 12, 2025.
  Please click on link below to register: https://www.malvernretreat.com/events/ocia/

6. Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation

7. Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy

8. Reception of Baptized Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church

• 1. • Pastoral Guidance Regarding the Conditional Baptism of Those Seeking Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church
     •  Admission of an Orthodox Christian into the Catholic Church in Other than their Parallel Ritual Church