Rite of Sending

The Rite of Sending is a parish celebration that sends catechumens to the Rite of Election. At the Rite of Election, usually on or about the First Sunday of Lent, the church names the catechumens who are to be baptized at Easter. Generally, the Rite of Election takes place at the cathedral with the bishop.

The Rite of Sending takes place at a Sunday Mass. After the homily, a catechist may present the catechumens to the priest, who calls them forward with their Godparents and asks if the catechumens are ready. Have they taken their formation seriously? Have they given evidence of their conversion? Do the Godparents judge them ready for the Rite of Election?

The Church must verify the readiness of the catechumens. We do not baptize based only on their desire. “There should be a deliberation prior to [the Rite of Election] to decide on the catechumen’s suitableness.” This is carried out by those who help form the catechumens, by Godparents, and members of the community (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 122). The questions asked have real significance.

The catechumens then sign the Book of the Elect at the parish during the Rite of Sending. The ritual concludes with prayers for the catechumens.

Holy Spirit Parish will celebrate the RITE of Sending on February 26th at the 11:30 a.m. Mass. Please pray for our Catechumen.