Rite of Election

The 2026 Rite of Election is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, at St. John Vianney Parish, Round Rock*. There will be a 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. celebration. Pre-registration is requested and will  be open until February 12, 2026. 

• The Rite of Election has been split into two groups in order to accommodate the size of the expected audience. If your parish plans to celebrate the OPTIONAL Rite of Sending or have some reflection, it should occur before this event.
• Registration | Please note that registration will only be online via our website. 
  • When registered correctly, you will receive an automated response email confirmation. If you DO NOT receive an automated response email confirmation (from ECatholic) please check your spam mail.  If you experience a continuous circle, your registration may not go through.
  • For questions/problems regarding registration, please email [email protected].
• Arrival | Directors/Catechists, please note there are 2 celebrations.  
  • Celebration #1  | Liturgy of the Word begins promptly at 2 p.m. 
    • Coordinator Arrival -- 12:45 p.m. to receive instructions and find their assigned seating.  
    • Catechumen/ Sponsor Arrival  -- 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Celebration #2 | Liturgy of the Word begins promptly at 5 p.m. 
    • Coordinator Arrival -- 3:45 p.m. to receive instructions and find their assigned seating.  
    • Catechumen/ Sponsor Arrival  -- 4-4:30 pm 
• Upon arrival, Catechumens/Sponsors should
  • Catechumens should find their assigned parish seats.
  • Catechumens will receive a name badge from their leader.  Place name tag on RIGHT side of chest.
  • Instructions for the participants will begin promptly 20 minutes prior to the start of the liturgy. everyone should be seated and ready to begin.  
• Reserved Seating:
  • The reserved seating is for catechumens, one godparent/proxy, and one parish leader ONLY.
  • Pews will have the parish name on them.
  • Seating for non-participants (families, spouses, etc) is VERY limited.
• Presentation of the Catechumens:
  • After the homily, the leader from each parish will join the line by the ambo and one by one present their parish’s catechumens by name.
  • The catechumens and sponsor should ideally be seated in the order listed in the book and will stand in place as their name is called.  They will give a slight bow to the presider after all names have been called.
  • After calling the names the leader will move to the end of the leader line to later bring the book forward for signature.
  • 
    
• Attire |  Catechumens AND sponsors should dress appropriately, befitting the solemnity of the Rite of Election.
  • No spaghetti straps, bare shoulders, ragged jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes or flip flops.
• Parking | Carpooling is highly recommended. 
• Reception | There will be no reception.
• Photographs |  No photography.   There will not be an opportunity for individual photos with the celebrant.
  • Each parish will have one group photo taken by a diocesan photographer. These photos will be available on the diocesan website.
  • At the end of the liturgy, anyone who is NOT a parish leader or catechumen (family, spouse, sponsor, etc) will be asked to kindly exit the church to facilitate faster group photos.