Ann Gallegos (left) of St. Jude Church in Jacksonville and Kathy Dunlap of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Benton march into Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock for the Feb. 14 celebration. (Dwain Hebda photo)

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor shakes a young catechumen's hand during the Feb. 14 celebration of the Rite of Election for central Arkansas. (Dwain Hebda photo)

Candidates and catechumens, like the one pictured here being greeted by Bishop Taylor, gathered from more than 20 parishes in central Arkansas. (Dwain Hebda photo)

An older man whispers to Bishop Taylor after shaking the man's hand during Rite of Election ceremonies Feb. 14. (Dwain Hebda photo)

An estimated crowd of 800 people, the majority of them candidates, catechumens and sponsors of all ages and backgrounds, were on hand for the Rite of Election service. (Dwain Hebda photo)

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Rites of Election held for those joining the Church

About 670 people throughout the state will become Catholic at Easter

Published: February 18, 2016

By Dwain Hebda
Little Rock Correspondent

Christian initiation coordinators from parishes in central Arkansas display the Books of Elect signed by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor Feb. 14 during the Rite of Election at Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock.

Similar ceremonies were held in Jonesboro Feb. 12, Rogers Feb. 13 and Texarkana Feb. 15. The Rites of Election are usually held on or near the first Sunday of Lent for catechumens and candidates from around the diocese.

Catechumens, now called elect, will be baptized, confirmed and receive the Eucharist in their parishes during Easter Vigil Masses March 27. Also recognized were candidates who are already baptized and seek full communion with the Catholic Church. About 670 elect and candidates will become Catholic at Easter.

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