Archbishop John Nienstedt will celebrate the Rite of Election at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. Bishop Lee Piché will preside at the ceremony at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

The Rite of Election marks the beginning of the final, intensive period of preparation of catechumens [those not baptized] for the sacraments of initiation, ordinarily celebrated during the Easter Vigil.

During the ceremony, the church, through the bishop or representative, “elects” the catechumens to receive the sacraments of baptism, first Eucharist and confirmation at the vigil.

Candidates [baptized], who will be joining the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil, will also attend the ceremony.