While many parishes celebrate the Rite of Calling to Continuing Conversion in their own churches, a substantial number opted to mark the celebration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels March 23.

Approximately 910 candidates for full Communion or completion of the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist, joined by sponsors and initiation team members, were welcomed and blessed by Archbishop José Gomez and auxiliary bishops during the two celebrations (3 and 6 p.m.).

Like the more than 1,500 unbaptized — catechumens who are now the Elect — who participated in the rite of Election March 9, the participating candidates were received into the Cathedral sanctuary, forming a joyful mixture of cultures that well represented the diversity of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

St. Joseph of Carondelet Sister Rosanne Belpedio, director of the Office for Worship, explained that Rite of Calling was originally created to use in parishes where there were no catechumens ready for baptism at the Easter Vigil. 

“The emphasis at the Vigil is always on baptism,” she told The Tidings. “And there is nothing to stop candidates from entering the church as they are ready without undue delay.”

More and more parishes, she added, are receiving people into full Communion and conferring the sacraments at various times throughout the year as the candidates for these sacraments are ready.