The Rite of Election is a pivotal moment in the journey of a catechumen, marking a transition from a period of inquiry and formation to a more intense spiritual preparation for the sacraments of initiation. It’s not simply an introduction to the bishop or a public declaration of intent; rather, it’s the church, through the bishop, recognizing and affirming that the catechumens are ready to embrace the life of a disciple of Christ.

Central to this rite are three questions that the bishop will ask the godparents, questions that carry profound significance for the catechumens, their godparents, the catechumenate team, and the entire parish.

Why are these questions so important?

The three questions the bishop will ask the godparents are not a mere formality. They are at the heart of the Rite of Election, representing the Church’s discernment of the catechumens’ readiness for baptism. These questions are:

• Have they faithfully listened to God’s word proclaimed by the Church?
• Have they begun to walk in God’s presence, treasuring the word they have received?
• Have they persevered in fraternal communion and in the prayers? (see OCIA 131B)

These questions address the core elements of Christian discipleship: hearing and responding to God’s word, living a gospel-centered life, and participating in the life of the Chistian community. They signify a conversion of life, not just an intellectual assent to doctrine.  

When the godparents answer “yes” to these questions, they are testifying that the catechumens have truly embraced the Christian faith and are ready to commit to a life of discipleship. 

This is the culmination of the catechumenate, where the church “should render a judgment on the instruction and progress of the catechumens, having considered the matter with the greatest care” (OCIA 121). The Rite of Election is a “focal point” (OCIA 107 and 531) where the catechumens are declared “elect,” chosen by God, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil.

When the godparents answer “yes” to these questions, they are testifying that the catechumens have truly embraced the Christian faith and are ready to commit to a life of discipleship. 

How to ensure a true “yes”

The godparents’ “yes” to these questions should not be a rote affirmation. It must be based on careful discernment and a genuine conviction about the catechumens’ readiness. Before the Rite of Election, there must be an authentic discernment about the readiness of the catechumens to take on a life of Christian discipleship. Specifically, the rite says we are to look for these markers of conversion (see OCIA 120):

• A conversion of mind and morals: This involves a visible change in the catechumen’s life, a turning away from their old ways and toward Christ. We will look for signs that the catechumens’ lives are different than before their journey began. We need to ask, is there evidence that their lives are being transformed by the gospel?
• Sufficient knowledge of Christian doctrine: This means more than just memorizing facts. It involves a developed understanding of the core tenets of the faith, summarized in the Creed, and an ability to both profess and live the faith with conviction. Can the catechumens articulate the basic beliefs of the church? Do they understand the meaning of the sacraments? Is there evidence of their knowledge in the way that they live?
• A sense of faith and charity: The catechumens should demonstrate a love for God and neighbor, an active participation in the community, and a commitment to serving others. They must show signs of a life of charity and a love for community. Are the catechumens reaching out to help others? Are they contributing to the life of the community? 
• Intention to be baptized: The catechumens must have a genuine desire to be baptized and a public commitment to do so. In the Rite of Election, the bishop promises that the elect will be baptized at the next Easter Vigil. 
• A readiness to live as missionary disciples: Catechumens need to have internalized that they are being chosen to be disciples of Jesus, and that this involves a life of mission. It is a fulfilment of their commitment at the beginning of their catechumenate — in the Rite for Entrance — to follow the Cross.

The godparents, as lifelong companions on the journey of faith, must be able to attest to these qualities. They should have a close relationship with the catechumens and be familiar with their progress. The catechumenate team should be skilled in the art of discernment, which is a part of the entire process, and not just something done immediately before the Rite of Election. This assessment must be a communal effort involving the godparents, the catechists, the pastor, and the parish community. It even involves the bishop to some extent (see OCIA 121). 

Preparing for the Rite of Election

The catechumenate process must foster qualities necessary for a true “yes” from the godparents. This involves:

• Comprehensive catechesis: The formation of the catechumens must include all four pillars of catechesis outlined in OCIA 75: reflection on God’s word, a life of self-sacrifice within the Christian community, prayer and worship, and witnessing to their faith. This approach must touch on all the different “lenses” of catechesis so that catechumens receive a full training in Christian discipleship.
• Emphasis on conversion: The formation of the catechumens must focus on the transformation of life and not just the acquisition of knowledge. Catechumens need to understand that their lives should be different from when they started the process. They need to let their light shine before others in such a way that their good deeds glorify God in heaven (see Mt 5:16).
• Active participation in the community: Catechumens need opportunities to become familiar with the practice of Christian life. They should learn to pray regularly and consistently, give witness to their faith, keep their hopes set on Christ, believe in the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and show love to others, even if it costs them time or resources. 
• Formation of godparents: Godparents need to understand the importance of their role and how they can support their catechumens. Provide training and formation to help godparents understand their responsibilities in the initiation process. Godparents can give testimony to the work of God in the catechumens’ lives.
• Regular discernment: Ongoing discernment and feedback are crucial to ensure the catechumens are progressing toward readiness. There needs to be time for discernment and an ongoing support process tailored to each catechumen’s needs. Catechumens should not be sent to the Rite of Election if they are not fully ready to be baptized.

The catechumenate process should be seen as a journey of faith that moves at its own pace. It’s not a race to the Easter Vigil, but a careful process of conversion, discernment, and growth in faith, love, and discipleship. Catechumens should not be rushed through the process or pressured to move forward before they are truly ready.

The catechumenate is not a race to the Easter Vigil, but a careful process of conversion, discernment, and growth in faith, love, and discipleship.

The impact of an authentic Rite of Election

When the catechumenate team structures the formation process with these elements in place, powerful, Spirit-filled transformation happens.

• Catechumens: They will approach the Rite of Election filled with the Holy Spirit, knowing they are prepared for the journey ahead. They will have a deeper understanding of their election and their call to discipleship. This moment will not simply be an external affirmation, but an internal confirmation of their commitment to Christ.
• Godparents: They will understand their role as mentors and companions, taking their responsibility seriously, and they will be active participants in their catechumen’s journey. They will be prepared to offer sincere testimony about the catechumens’ readiness. The experience of answering “yes” to the bishop’s questions will deepen their own understanding of their role in the church.
• Catechumenate team: The team will have a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, knowing that, guided by the Holy Spirit, they have played a vital role in preparing these new disciples. They will be able to see the fruits of their labor, not just in the Rite of Election but also in the lives of the elect after they are baptized.
• Parish: The whole parish will be inspired by the witness of the catechumens, godparents, and team, seeing tangible evidence of God’s work in the community. The parish will be reminded that it is a community on a journey to God, and that it has a responsibility to support those who are seeking initiation. When the parish sees that the catechumens are well prepared, and hears the testimony of the godparents, they will understand the significance of the Rite of Election.

The Rite of Election is not just a step in the process; it is a celebration of God’s action in the lives of these individuals. By preparing both the catechumens and the godparents with the bishop’s questions in mind, the catechumenate team will ensure that this is a truly transformative and meaningful experience for all involved. The “yes” from the godparents, rooted in genuine discernment, becomes a powerful witness to the catechumen’s readiness to embrace the full life of discipleship.