The Rite of Election in the Diocese of Portsmouth takes place on the day before the 1st Sunday of Lent. It is one of the stages in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), and is presided over by the Bishop.

All catechumens who are preparing for baptism, confirmation and eucharist at the Easter Vigil are invited to come to the Cathedral and be called by name to enrol themselves by signing their name in the diocesan Book of the Elect. From now until their baptism, the catechumens are referred to as the Elect, signifying that they have been chosen by God to become Catholic Christians and that this calling has been ratified by the Church, represented by the Bishop.

As well as the catechumens, all candidates who have already been baptised in other Christian Churches who are now preparing to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church and receive the sacrament of eucharist (and confirmation if they have not previously been confirmed) are also invited to be part of this celebration in the Cathedral. They too are called by name during the service and pledge themselves to continue their ongoing conversion of life.

The celebration is always a relaxed and happy occasion. Both those who are preparing to become Catholics, and everyone else present who already are Catholics, are filled with joy and enthusiasm as this important rite is celebrated. The catechumens and candidates are accompanied by their sponsors and godparents, and clergy from their parishes are also often present with their people in the nave of the cathedral. The Diocesan Choir helps support the sung prayer of the gathering, and texts and music are specially selected to speak to all present about what is taking place.

In 2011 the Rite of Election will be on 12 March.

Each year after Easter there is also a Day for New Catholics at which anyone baptised or received into the Church in the preceding period is invited to join the Bishop. In 2010, the Day for New Catholics is on Saturday 22 May at the Cathedral Discovery Centre.

Chrism Mass

Ordinations