Participants in Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion welcomed to Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul

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PROVIDENCE — Bishop Thomas J. Tobin welcomed 107 participants (41 catechumens and 66 candidates representing 23 parishes across the diocese) about to enter the Catholic Church this Easter season to the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul for the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion.

“This is a very important moment for those who are being prepared to be baptized or otherwise received into the church at this Easter season as you continue your journey of faith,” Bishop Tobin said.

“This is a very significant moment because today the church officially invites you and recognizes you as being prepared to receive the sacraments at Easter.”

The bishop noted that the prospect of bringing so many new members into the church was a source of pride and joy for all of us.

According to the diocesan Office of Faith Formation, which works with individual parishes to ensure the individuals presented are fully prepared for their initiation into the church, the number of participants this year is 20 less than in 2017, when there were 127 participants representing 38 parishes. Of these, 47 were catechumens — those who will participate in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist — and 80 were candidates for confirmation and full Eucharistic sharing.