The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults offers two beautiful rites to mark the conversion journeys of adults and children whose conversion "of mind and heart" and readiness for the sacraments of initiation are clearly evident.

In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, each of these rites is honored and celebrated for its own sake, recognizing that the Rite of Election and the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion express most fully the intentions of the Church to affirm and initiate two different groups of people.

The Rite of Election is intended for catechumens, those adults and children who have not yet been baptized. They have undergone a conversion of mind and action, have developed a sufficient acquaintance with Christian teaching and have a spirit of faith and charity. They "have the intention to receive the sacraments of the Church" (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, n. 120), which will be expressed publicly in the celebration of the Rite of Election. Their status as "Elect" indicates that they are persons who are set apart from others because of their unique situation. They have been chosen, or "elected" by the Church, who acts in the name of God (n. 119).

A key moment in the Rite of Election comes when the bishop asks for the testimony of the community and of godparents (or sponsors) to indicate that the catechumens are "worthy to be admitted to the sacraments of Christian initiation." Following affirmation, the Catechumens offer their names for enrollment in the Book of the Elect, and the bishop proclaims them "to be members of the elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil" (n. 133).

The Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion is celebrated with baptized but previously uncatechized adults and children who wish to complete their Christian initiation through the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist or who wish to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church (n. 446). Through their baptism, these adults and children have already become members of the Church and are "children of God." Their conversion journey is "based on the baptism they have already received, the effects of which they must develop" (n. 400). Candidates, then, are "called to continuing conversion" in a rite developed precisely for their situation.

In the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion, sponsors and the community express their affirmation of the readiness of the candidates "to receive the sacraments of confirmation and the Eucharist (or to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church" (n. 452). Public recognition is given to their "desire to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and to have a place at Christ's eucharistic table."

Then the celebrant urges the candidates to "hear the Lord's call to conversion and be faithful to your baptismal covenant." This "Act of Recognition" is yet another reminder of the special distinction that baptism confers on the candidates.

It is important that the church celebrate these two separate rites well and with enthusiasm. Both catechumens and candidates celebrate the rite that is appropriate for them. Preparation for initiation has been different for catechumens than it has been for candidates. Catechumens prepare for baptism; candidates celebrate their baptisms as foundational to their conversion. The two rites help to express and celebrate the distinction.

When both groups finally approach the table of Eucharist, they will become one with the Body of Christ and, together, will begin to live out their new commitment to Jesus Christ as Catholic Christians.

Sandra Dooley is the director of the archdiocesan Office for Worship. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles will host the Rite of Election on Feb. 29 at 3: p.m. and 6 p.m., and the Rite of Calling the Candidates to Continuing Conversion on March 7 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Santa Barbara Region will host combined rites March 7.