2025 Rite of Election Form - The Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend

Please submit this Rite of Election information by Monday, February 3, 2025.

This registration page is for catechumens and candidates participating in the Rite of Election and Calling to Continuing Conversion.

OCIA 119 states: “[H]aving heard the testimony of godparents and catechists, with the catechumens confirming their intention, the Church discerns their state of preparation and decides whether they may proceed to the Paschal Sacraments. In this step the Church makes her “Election,” or the choice and admission of catechumens, who by their dispositions are fit to take part in the next celebration of the sacraments of initiation.

It is called “Election” because the admission made by the Church is founded on election by God, in whose name the Church acts; it is also called “Enrollment of Names” because the candidates write their names in the Book of the Elect as a pledge of their faithfulness.

Parish registrations for catechumens and candidates.

Which Rite of Election will your parish attend?*
- South Bend – Sunday, March 2, 2025
- Fort Wayne – Sunday, March 9, 2025
Name and City of Parish*
OCIA Director Name*
OCIA Director Email*
All communication to participants from your parish will be routed through you.
OCIA Director Phone Number*
All communication to participants from your parish will be routed through you.
Name of Parish Presenter (if different from OCIA director)*
This person will be seated apart from the catechumens and candidates.
TOTAL NUMBER OF CATECHUMENS*
This category is for those who will be baptized this Easter. (Names of catechumens and godparents get entered below.)
Name of Presenter of the Book of the Elect*
Must be a separate person from the Parish Presenter. *Only parishes with catechumens should bring a Book of the Elect, and it must be signed by all catechumens before the rite.* (If you have no catechumens, just put “none” here.)
Names of Catechumens & Godparents
Please list the names of all your catechumen-godparent pairs here. (Please keep all your catechumens’ names ready on file to read at the Rite of Election – we do not provide lists that day.)
TOTAL NUMBER OF CANDIDATES*
This category is for those who are already baptized and entering the Catholic Church/completing their initiation. (Names of candidates and sponsors get entered below.)
Names of Candidates & Sponsors
Please list the names of all your candidate-sponsor pairs here. (Please keep all your candidates’ names ready on file to read at the Rite of Election – we do not provide lists that day.)
Special Needs
Please list any special seating needs or considerations we should take into account (e.g., wheelchairs, etc.). Please be as specific as possible.