Newly-elect go forth from the Rite of Election toward reception of sacraments at Easter

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News

At the diocesan Rite of Election Feb. 22, 2026, Bishop Mark Hagemoen welcomed and blessed 75 catechumens from across the diocese who are journeying toward the initiation sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist.

Affirmed by their parishes and by their sponsors, the catechumens wrote their names in the Book of the Elect, and entered another stage of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). The newly-elect now begin a “season of purification and enlighten during Lent,” before celebrating the sacraments at Easter.

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses the catechumens and their sponsors during the Rite of Election. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

During the celebration at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon, Bishop Hagemoen also welcomed and blessed candidates — already baptized Christians who are preparing to be received into the Catholic Church during the Easter season. The diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis reports that some 45 candidates are journeying to full communion with the Catholic Church this year.

Bishop Hagemoen also blessed candidates — those already baptized who will be received into the Church during the Easter season. Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

The Rite of Election included celebration of Sunday Eucharist for the First Sunday of Lent. In attendance were a number of priests from parishes that are preparing catechumens and candidates to receive sacraments at Easter, as well as sponsors, family members and parishioners from parishes across the diocese.

Called to be missionary disciples

The Rite of Election “is an outward celebration of a choice already made by God,” the bishop said in his homily “These catechumens are proclaimed fit to be God’s chosen.”

Through the celebration, all members of the Church are also reminded and renewed in this blessing, responsibility, and privilege, he said.

“These chosen are expected to be initiated into the life of Jesus Christ, which necessarily means a life of mission, God’s mission for the world,” he said. “Ready or not, here comes the Holy Spirit!”

The bishop acknowledged that even if we do not feel equipped, we step forward to be his disciples in response to God’s call. “It is because of that deepening intimate relationship with the Lord that we can receive from him in order to give of him to others.”

He added: “The genius of a disciple is he or she always points beyond themselves. The light doesn’t end with them. They know they are not the light. He is the light.”

Photo gallery:

Bishop Mark Hagemoen celebrated the Rite of Election with catechumens and candidates from across the diocese. Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Sr. Peter Mary proclaims the First reading. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

A diocesan choir provided music ministry. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Fr. Greg Roth, Pastor of Saint Anne Parish and Saints-Martyrs-Canadiens Parish in Saskatoon, proclaims the Gospel. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Daniel Pettipas of St. Anne Parish, Saskatoon, calls forth the candidates and catechumens. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen addresses the candidates — those who are already baptized, preparing to join the Church at Easter. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Some 75 catechumens across the diocese of Saskatoon are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Hagemoen blessed the catechumens, who are now known as The Elect. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Sponsors affirm the catechumens during the celebration. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Sponsors show affirmation and support with a hand upon the shoulder. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Signing the Book of the Elect. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Quin Kleiboer and Marilyn Jackson (l-r) of the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis place pages in the Book of the Elect. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Quin Kleiboer presents the Book of the Elect to Bishop Mark Hagemoen. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Bishop Mark Hagemoen shows the book of the elect to the assembly. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

Cantor Michael Raney leads the prayers of the faithful. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

(Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)

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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.

Communications and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa.