Bishop William F. Medley shakes hands with a young man during the 2 p.m. Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion celebration held at St. Stephen Cathedral on Feb. 18, 2024. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Catechumens and candidates celebrated during final phase before joining Catholic Church
BY WKC STAFF
This year, the Diocese of Owensboro’s Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion celebrations were held on Feb. 11 at St. Francis de Sales in Paducah and on Feb. 18 at St. Stephen Cathedral. This was held at two different locations due to the vast size of the diocese and the need to make these celebrations accessible to the faithful; in fact, the cathedral hosted two celebrations the same day.
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion are for those who are undergoing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) to enter the final phase of catechetical and spiritual formation as they prepare to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
The Rite of Election portion was for catechumens – those who have never been baptized – and the Call to Continuing Conversion portion was for candidates – those who have already been validly baptized and who are experiencing the call on their hearts to enter into full communion of the Catholic Church.
Fr. Gary Clark, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Paducah, is seen in the background during the Feb. 11 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion celebration, which was held at the parish for the faithful in the western portion of the Diocese of Owensboro. COURTESY OF WILLIAM CONYER
People sign the Book of Elect during the 2 p.m. Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion celebration held at St. Stephen Cathedral on Feb. 18, 2024. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Bishop William F. Medley greets two youth at the reception following the Feb. 11 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion celebration, held at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Paducah. COURTESY OF WILLIAM CONYER
