Bishop greets those to become Catholic

Published: March 12, 2025

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor met more than 600 catechumens and candidates from parishes across Arkansas during four Rite of Election services March 6-10. Each year, bishops in dioceses worldwide personally welcome those going through the Christian initiation process at the Rite of Election, a special service usually held at the beginning of Lent.

Formerly known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), the new Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is offered at the parish level and generally concludes with full initiation into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. To learn more, visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

This year, the rite was held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Jonesboro March 6; St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers March 8; Christ the King Church in Little Rock March 9; and St. Edward Church in Texarkana March 10.

Of those preparing to become Catholic, most were catechumens. Catechumens are those who have not been baptized and are being formed in the Christian faith and life. The rest are candidates. Candidates are baptized members of other Christian churches who wish to become Catholic. 

During the Rite of Election, the bishop declares catechumens ready to receive the sacraments of initiation, which are baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. Through this process, they become known as the "elect." At the same time, he calls candidates to continuing conversion as they prepare to be confirmed and receive first Communion.

“Do you seek to be a disciple of Jesus today? What do you seek?” asked Bishop Taylor while reflecting on the Gospel reading Feb. 18, 2024, at Christ the King Church. “Andrew recognizes that Jesus is the Messiah after spending only a few hours with him. Even today, spending time with Jesus is fundamental for recognizing him and putting our faith in him. … (Andrew) brings others to Jesus, beginning with his brother Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter, thus giving him a new identity, a new vocation, a new mission in life. 

“The same is true for you, who today become members of the elect. You who seek to enter the Church and thus become a disciple of Jesus. So the question is now out there for you — What are you looking for? Salvation? If so, who do you seek? Jesus the Savior.”

If anyone is entering the Church through your parish, we invite you to follow the bishop's example and introduce yourself and welcome them to your parish community. To find out if you have elect or candidates in your parish, visit Arkansas Catholic. For more information, contact the Office of Faith Formation at (501) 664-0340.