The Rite of Sending for Those in RCIA
FEBRUARY 26, 2026
Blessings!
Last Sunday (February 22) at the 10:30 AM Mass, the St. Thomas More Community witnessed the fruits of God’s ongoing work in the hearts of 3 catechumens (unbaptized) and 13 candidates (baptized) preparing to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil on April 4. They constitute this year’s Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). The group has enthusiastically gathered on Wednesday nights since last September to reflect on their blossoming desires to join the Catholic Church.
The 16 stood in our sanctuary with their sponsors for the Rite of Sending and the Call to Continuing Conversion. Their sponsors witnessed to their readiness for the Sacraments of Initiation–Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Our parish community then officially sent them to the Cathedral to meet the archbishop for the Rite of Election later that day. Across the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, there are 1,736 OCIA participants in the process of becoming Catholic. The Holy Spirit is at work!
The Rite of Election is the moment when the Church formally approves the catechumens to receive the sacrament of Baptism at the Easter Vigil. The catechumens become “The Elect.” Then the Church formally invites the candidates to enter into full communion with the Church through Confirmation and Eucharist, also at
the Vigil.
Please pray for our 16 participants as they continue their journey to become full members in the Catholic Church and our community at Saint Thomas More. Please visit our
OCIA webpage to learn more about OCIA at Saint Thomas More. OCIA is a process that encourages discernment. If you are thinking of about joining OCIA in the future, please know I am fully willing to help you in your discernment.
Let us give thanks for these Elect and Candidates. Such blessings for STM and the Church! See their headshots below and wish them well next time you see them.
Peace,
Fr. Peter Etzel, SJ
