Diocese of Pittsburgh Rite of Election Canceled

In light of increasing concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19), Bishop David Zubik has decided to cancel the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion scheduled for Sunday, March 15th at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul Cathedral.

With this announcement, Bishop Zubik has dispensed the catechumens and candidates from this rite due to the exceptional circumstances presented by the pandemic.

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion is a formal ceremony for adults and children who are seeking baptism and full initiation into the Catholic Church. In it, a person is recognized by the Church, through the local bishop, as someone ready to join the Catholic faith at Easter.

“I ask you to pray in a very special way for our catechumens and candidates as they take their final steps towards the Easter Sacraments,” said Bishop Zubik. “We add those intentions to our continued prayers for all affected by the threat of this coronavirus, especially the most vulnerable among us.”