Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion 2026
On Sunday, February 22, almost 300 hundred people from around the diocese gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Burlington for a special annual liturgical celebration — the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion. In this liturgy, the catechumens and the candidates are presented to the bishop and recognized by him as being ready to receive sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Catechumens are those who are not yet baptized. They are presented to the bishop and their names are recorded in their parish’s ‘Book of Elect.’ Candidates are those who are already baptized, and are preparing to be in ‘full communion,’ meaning they need to receive some combination of the sacraments of first holy communion, penance and confirmation (it can vary by individual).
This liturgy is not a Mass, but it does include scripture readings, a homily, and hymns. The central part of the liturgy is the presentation of the catechumens and the candidates to the bishop. Bishop McDermott was assisted by Deacon Phil Lawson as the Master of Ceremonies, and four altar servers.
In his homily, Bishop McDermott first thanked all of those who have been helping to prepare the catechumens and candidates to receive the sacraments. He then told the catechumens and candidates that he has good news and bad news for them. He said the good news was, “you are preparing for a brand-new life, able to receive the sacraments … a life of faith and grace.” But that the bad news is, “the conversion never ends. The journey is just beginning. Temptation does not go away once you receive the sacraments.” He advised them to “listen carefully to the voice of the Lord” and to “develop habits that will sustain you.”
The catechumens and the candidates came from eighteen parishes from across the state. They were accompanied by parish priests, catechists, godparents, and sponsors. There were a total of 46 catechumens and 59 candidates.
Attendees found it to be a joyous and uplifting event. Many commented on the diversity of the participants. A full range of ages were represented — everyone from adolescents to senior citizens. Individuals, couples and some entire families were represented, and many from our new American communities. The catechumens and candidates portrayed a vibrant microcosm of the Universal Church — a true sign of hope.
Michele, a sponsor from the Waterbury and Waitsfield parishes, said, “it’s inspiring to see so many people come back to the church, because the world needs light.”
Dan, a Catechumen from Christ the King in Rutland shared, “it brought me joy and happiness, and I felt a connection with the Lord. I couldn’t be happier.”
Melissa, a catechist from Most Holy Name of Jesus in Morrisville said this was the seventh year attending the Rite of Election, and that it’s always a joyful for her. “I’m excited for the catechists to experience the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. It’s emotional.”