Saying yes to Christ: 166 take the next step at the Rite of Election
By Allison Mosier02/24/2026
On the first Sunday of Lent, the church in Northwestern Pennsylvania witnessed something powerful: men and women publicly saying yes to Jesus Christ.
At the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Calling of the Candidates to Continuing Conversion, celebrated Feb. 22 at Saint Peter Cathedral in Erie, 166 individuals stepped forward in faith — 61 catechumens and 105 candidates — surrounded by 38 priests, sponsors, family members and parish communities from across the Diocese of Erie. Nearly 500 seats were filled in the mother church of the diocese, not for a routine liturgy, but for a moment that makes the church’s mission visible.
The Rite of Election, rooted in the ancient tradition of the Catholic Church and celebrated in dioceses throughout the world, marks a decisive step in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) — the process by which adults become members of the Catholic Church. Catechumens, those who have never been baptized, were called forward to sign the Book of the Elect, publicly expressing their desire to receive Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. From this moment, they are known as “the Elect.”
Presented parish by parish to the shepherd of the diocesan church, the Elect and the Candidates encountered the pastoral presence of the Most Reverend Father Lawrence T. Persico, Bishop of the Diocese of Erie, in a personal way. As each group came forward, Bishop Persico welcomed them warmly, offering words of encouragement and personally greeting many with a handshake — a simple but powerful gesture reflecting the church’s embrace and his role as chief shepherd. His presence underscored that each person’s journey of faith is known, valued and received by the local church.
“You are here for the Rite of Election because not only is this an important day in your faith journey but it is also an important day in the life of the diocese,” Bishop Persico shared in his homily.
Candidates — already baptized Christians — were named and recognized, their sponsors placing hands on their shoulders as a sign of support as they prepare to enter full communion with the Catholic Church.
To see so many people willingly choose Christ is a profound sign of hope. In a culture often marked by distraction and division, these individuals are making a conscious, courageous decision: to follow Jesus, to live the sacramental life and to belong to his church. Their yes is not passive. It is intentional, prayerful and life-changing.
Their journey does not happen in isolation. Behind every catechumen and candidate stands a parish community, trained catechists and diocesan support. The Diocese of Erie’s Office of Faith Formation plays a vital role in equipping parishes for this sacred work. Through formation materials, catechist training, sacramental guidance and ongoing support for OCIA teams, the office ensures that those discerning the Catholic faith are accompanied with clarity, fidelity and pastoral care.
“Jesus is speaking to you. He is choosing you to enter into a unique relationship with Him. He is calling your name today,” Bishop Persico reflected.
“The Rite of Election is one of the most beautiful moments in the life of our diocesan church,” said Dr. Aaron Kerr, Director of Faith Formation for Catechesis and Sacraments. “To witness individuals freely choosing Christ and his church is a reminder that evangelization is not an abstract idea — it is personal. It is my calling, and the church’s calling, to proclaim the Gospel, to form catechists who can teach it faithfully and to walk with those whom the Lord is drawing to himself.”
Dr. Kerr and his team provide formation for catechists across the diocese, support parish OCIA programs and ensure that sacramental preparation is rooted in sound teaching and authentic encounter with Christ. Their work strengthens parishes from Erie to Bradford, from Oil City to DuBois — including campus ministries at Gannon University and Mercyhurst University, where young adults are also responding to God’s call.
This work is made possible through the Catholic Services Appeal. The CSA directly funds the Office of Faith Formation, supporting training, resources and diocesan-wide initiatives that help bring others to Christ. Every gift to the CSA strengthens evangelization and sacramental life across Northwestern Pennsylvania.
The Rite of Election reminds us that the church is alive and growing — and that each of us shares in the responsibility to invite, witness and accompany. For those discerning the Catholic faith or interested in learning more about the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, visit the Office of Faith Formation website for details and parish resources: https://eriercd.org/faithformation/ocia.html.
As these catechumens and candidates continue their Lenten journey toward Easter, the faithful are invited to pray for them — and to renew their own commitment to share Christ boldly, joyfully and without hesitation.
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