On Sunday, February 22, members of our Holy Rosary Catholic Community joined others from across the Diocese of Rapid City at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for the Rite of Election and Rite of Continuing Conversion.
This annual celebration marks an important milestone for adults and older children who are preparing to enter the Catholic Church at Easter. Representing parishes from throughout the diocese, catechumens (those preparing for Baptism) and candidates (those already baptized and preparing for full communion) gathered with their sponsors, families, and clergy for this significant step in their faith journey.
During the Rite of Election, catechumens were formally presented to the bishop and declared “the Elect,” signifying their readiness to enter the final period of preparation before receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. Those participating in the Rite of Continuing Conversion affirmed their desire to complete their initiation and be received fully into the Church.
The cathedral was filled with prayer and hope as individuals from communities across western South Dakota stood together in faith. As Lent is now underway, we invite our Holy Rosary Catholic Community to keep these Elect and candidates in your prayers as they prepare to receive the sacraments at Easter. May this sacred season bring renewal and grace to them—and to all of us.
