OCIA
Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion
The Church provides a process to join its community of believers called the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). This process of spiritual formation contains several rites, including the Rite of Election, which is presided by the bishop and held at the opening of the Lenten season. In this rite, those who have never been baptized, known as “catechumens,” are “elected” by God to receive the sacraments of Christian initiation at Easter. Also participating are “candidates,” those who were baptized but have yet to receive their First Communion or confirmation. The Rite of Election brings catechumens and candidates from their individual parishes together in a large, joyous celebration of new followers of Jesus Christ.
Parish Reservation
Reservation Deadline: January 5, 2024
The celebration of the 2025 Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, will take place the weekend of March 8-9, 2025. In order to accommodate the large number of attendees for our annual event, we will be holding five ceremonies. Four celebrations will take place at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in San Diego County and one at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Imperial County. Each parish will have the choice to select their preferred time slot; however, please note that there is limited capacity for each celebration.
Registration is first come, first serve.
Reservations have ended.
Guidance for Parishes
Rite of Election Guidance for Pastors and OCIA Coordinators
Order of Service – Imperial Valley Rite of Election
Order of Service — San Diego Rite of Election
Guidance for parishes NOT participating in the Diocesan Rite of Election
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the event be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend?
No, livestream is not available.
When will I receive notification of my assigned Rite of Election ceremony?
Will an Order of Service be provided?
Yes, an Order of Service in English and Spanish will be available on our website for individuals to download.
Where may I obtain a Book of the Elect?
Please contact the Office for Evangelization and Catechetical Ministry to obtain a book. The cost is $40.
How will assigned seating be arranged?
Parishes will not have assigned seats, rather, they will be assigned a section area.
Will tickets be provided as we have in the past?
Yes, a ticket will be provided detailing the ceremony time and assigned seating section area.
My parish is arriving by bus, where is the drop-off and pick up location?
SAN DIEGO-The designated area for buses to drop off and pick up is located in front of Good Shepherd Catholic School at 8180 Gold Coast Drive.
IMPERIAL VALLEY– The designated area for buses to drop off and pick up is located on S G Street, on the West side of St. Anthony’s Parish.
Will parish group pictures be offered this year?
No. Group pictures will not be scheduled this year. A designated photographer will take pictures of each ceremony and these will be posted on our website www.sdcatholic.org/roe and on our social media platforms- www.facebook.com/sddisciples and www.instagram.com/oecmsd
Will outdoor seating and overflow seating be offered?
No, seating will only be available inside the church.
My parish is assigned for a Saturday Rite of Election Ceremony, when shall I
do my Rite of Sending?
do my Rite of Sending?
Guidance, resources and a script will be provided for you.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, there is no cost for parishes to participate in the Diocesan Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion.