Rite of Election

09 February 2008
Location: Clifton Cathedral
Address: Pembroke Road, Bristol BS8 3BX
Time: 11.00 am

At the heart of our Christian life is the understanding that each of us is called by God. We recall the words of Christ who said “You did not choose me, no I chose you”. Not only does Christ choose, he calls us and knows us by name. Both of these are encapsulated in the Rite of Election which is celebrated in Clifton Cathedral at the beginning of Lent each year.

The Rite of Election is a significant step for those who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Election in our contemporary culture often signifies a contest or our choosing something or somebody.  The Rite of Election is not about the candidates choosing the Sacraments of Initiation, rather, as in the great scriptural tradition of election, it is about God’s choice of the person.  For Christians this is the call to embrace the mission of Jesus, the mission of God’s Kingdom.

The introduction to the Rite states that, “it is called election because the acceptance made by the Church is founded on the election of God in whose name the Church acts.”

After the candidates have completed their formation the Rite of Election is celebrated by the Bishop who chooses them, elects them, in the name of the Lord and of the local Church to which they belong.

The call, the election, of the Church embodies in human voice the call of God to which the candidates have already responded. They are then asked to express their response here and now in the presence of the Church “Do you wish to enter fully into the life of the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist?” They respond “We do.”

The candidates then inscribe their names in the Book of the Elect. This signifies that they have heard God call their name and wish to respond to his call. 

In the Clifton Diocese the Rite of Election is also a call to continuing conversion for those who have already been baptised. A clear distinction is made between those the Lord is calling to Baptism and those who are already baptised.

Those who are already baptised and seek to be admitted to the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation are also included in the liturgy on this day as a sign that God is calling them to full Communion with the Catholic Church.

Bishop Declan said, "I look forward to welcoming the catechumens and those who are to be received into full communion with the Church at Easter. This is an important liturgy at the beginning of Lent expressing a welcome by the diocese for all who seek to belong to the Catholic community. Please keep them in your prayers and encourage them in their journey of faith."

See our report from last year’s Rite of Election.

Further information from Ronnie Mitchinson at the Clifton Diocese Department for Adult Education and Evangelisation on 0117 902 5595.

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