In this scene from last year's Rite of Election at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria, Shawn Chakraborty of St. John's Catholic Newman Center in Champaign shares a light moment with Bishop Jenky as Father Robert Lampitt, chaplain and director of the Newman Center, looks on. (The Catholic Post/Jennifer Willems)

Breaking with tradition, the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be held Saturday, March 9, as well as the First Sunday of Lent, March 10, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. The prayer service is planned for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

In past years, the celebrations have taken place on successive Sundays.

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, will preside at both rituals, which mark the beginning of the final period of preparation for those who will be received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 20.

This year’s celebration will draw 76 catechumens and 162 candidates to the cathedral, along with their catechists, godparents, sponsors and family members.

Catechumens are those who have not been baptized and will be recognized as “the elect” of God at the Rite of Election.

Candidates are those who have been baptized and are hoping to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church by making a profession of faith, being confirmed and receiving the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Bishop Jenky will call them to continuing conversion.

Each of the catechumens and candidates will be called forward and be greeted and encouraged by the bishop, who often stays after the Rite of Election for photos.