Rite 3 of Appendix I is the combined rite of election/call to continuing conversion (RCIA 547) celebrated with the bishop, ordinarily on the First Sunday of Lent (548). As with all combined rites, we once again are reminded to maintain distinctions between the baptized and those not in both catechesis and in celebration (549).
After the homily (550), this combined rite completely separates Election (551-554) from the Call to Continuing Conversion (555-557). The basic structure of each includes three similar rituals, a presentation of the individuals, affirmation by godparents (of catechumens), sponsors (of the baptized candidates) and the assembly, plus a final act of admission (unbaptized) or recognition (candidates). Catechumens will be enrolled by name: that is the only dissimilar ritual.
Intercessions for both groups follow (558), followed by a prayer over both (559). If Mass is to be celebrated, the elect are dismissed (560) by the same ritual in RCIA 67 and other places, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (561) follows.
