February 18, 2015 - 2015 Rite of Election - Canceled*

The following is a message from the Office of Divine Worship:
2015 Rite of Election - Canceled
The Rite of Election scheduled to take place this upcoming Sunday, February 22nd, has been canceled out of concern for the safety and well-being of those who would be traveling to the Cathedral for this beautiful liturgy.  The region has been hit by a number of snowstorms in recent weeks, impacting travel and parking conditions in and around the City of Boston.  The streets around the Cathedral are barely passable by small passenger vehicles, and it would be impossible for school buses to travel near the Cathedral.  In addition, the Cathedral parking lot is temporarily closed because of construction, and there is extremely limited on-street parking in the neighborhood due to the snow banks and neighborhood vehicles. 
 
We appreciate how much the Rite of Election means in the lives of the individuals who are on their journey to the Easter sacraments, and we understand that many will be disappointed.  In keeping with the norms provided in the ritual for RCIA, especially no. 120, Cardinal Seán will grant delegation to priests who request delegation to celebrate the Rite of Election in their communities for the catechumens who are preparing to receive the Easter sacraments this year (2015). 

• To request delegation, please e-mail:  [email protected]
• Include the names of the catechumens who will enroll their names in the parish’s Book of the Elect.
• Include the name of the priest who will celebrate the rite, as well as the date of the intended celebration of the Rite of Election.  

Please note that whether the Rite of Election is celebrated or not does not affect the validity of the Sacraments of Initiation.  Thus, any catechumen who has not been elected can (and must) still celebrate the three scrutinies of the Lenten season. 
 
The Cardinal’s delegation also obliges the priest to follow the proper liturgical form and the texts provided in the Ritual for RCIA: “Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names” (nos. 118-137).  For parishes who desire to celebrate the additional “Call to Continuing Conversion” of adult candidates who have been baptized but not previously catechized, the combined rite for candidates and catechumens may be used.  This rite may be found in Appendix I, 3:  “Rite of Election and Call to Conversion”. 
 
The Cardinal wishes to assure the candidates and catechumens of his prayers during this season of Lent, and he extends a special invitation for them to join him at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross for the Pentecost Vigil Mass at 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 23, 2015.