A woman shakes hands with Bishop William F. Medley during the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion that was held at St. Thomas More Parish in Paducah on Feb. 15, 2026. RACHEL HALL | WKC
Bishop welcomes all at Rite of Election celebrations
BY WKC STAFF
In February, Bishop William F. Medley and the Diocese of Owensboro celebrated the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, which welcomes those who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil.
One celebration was held on Feb. 15 at St. Thomas More Parish in Paducah, and two celebrations were held on Feb. 22 at St. Stephen Cathedral, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The Rite of Election was for the catechumens – those who have never been baptized – and the Call to Continuing Conversion portion was for the candidates – those who have already been validly baptized and who are experiencing the call on their hearts to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
These individuals are preparing to enter the Church through what is called the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, known as OCIA, which provides their catechetical and spiritual formation.
People preparing to enter the Catholic Church stand with their sponsors’ hands on their shoulders during the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at St. Stephen Cathedral on Feb. 22, 2026. RILEY GRIEF | WKC
People fill St. Thoms More Parish in Paducah during the Feb. 15, 2026 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. RACHEL HALL | WKC
A young girl signs the Book of the Elect during the Feb. 22, 2026 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at St. Stephen Cathedral. RILEY GRIEF | WKC
Originally printed in the March 2026 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
