Right of Sending or is it Election?

[texaspanda]

I feel like I am in the dark.
At RCIA they just say, be here this day it’s important or show up at this place it’s important. But they never really explain what’s going to happen or tell us what to expect.

So I need some help.
This Sunday is the Right of Sending or Election… it’s where we meet the bishop? No? I am not certain. They said it’s a long process and make time for about 3 hours. There’s A LOT of folks in RCIA this year and the RE staff always seems so busy to answer any questions.

What’s going to happen?
What can I expect?
What do I have to do?

Any help would be nice.

 

[puzzleannie]

this question is being discussed on another current thread
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=216310
the Rite of Sending for Election is exactly what it says, the rite where the Parish recognizes the catechumens and sends them to the Bishop, who calls them for Election in the - ta dah - Rite of Election

if it is happening in your parish it is probably the Rite of Sending, and you have already been told to meet at the Cathedral or other large church with the bishop at a later time and/or date for Rite of Election

Rite of Sending
Godparents attest you are ready
priest blesses you and presents you to the parish (who has already met you some time ago at the Rite of Acceptance)
you may sign the book of Elect in the Parish

Rite of Election
It is the bishop as head of the local church who calls you to become the Elect of the Lord. This rite is celebrated during Mass usually, but can be outside of Mass, with a liturgy of the word (just the readings, no Eucharist) or during liturgy of the hours (psalms and reading).

They really should prepare you a bit for this.
Catechumens and sponsors are taken outside the church or cathedral, and at a signal, knock on the door to symbolize they are asking for admittance to the Church. Bishop opens the door and welcomes them – he does it personally, shaking every hand, bless him, and it is the longest part of the ceremony. There will be at least 600, maybe more, Elect. then they go back to their places, and are presented by name to the bishop by their pastor or RCIA director or catechist. If they signed the Book of Elect in the parish, the book is handed to the Bishop for his signature. If not, they sign at this time. then the service proceeds, with more special prayers for the Elect and the Godparents.

easy responses to remember for RCIA
most of the rites have similar responses
[What do you ask of the church ]
Faith
[What does faith promise you]
Eternal life (remember this from Rite of Acceptance?)

[are you ready for . . . or do you attest that . . . ]
Yes we are (or) I do
[Peace be with you]
And also with you
[any question]
Yes
[any prayer]
Amen

forgot to add many parishes celebrate the rite of election in the parish if travel to the bishop is not practical

 

[stfrancisway]

In most cases the RCIA team do not give all the details what is going to take place at the rite. The Rcia team wants this to be a wonderful experience. People who been through this or is on a team shouldn’t give all the details to the rite:tsktsk: . Let The Holy Spirit be the comforter. Rcia process can be a great. Do not worry about all the details. Let the team and Christ guide you. The questions you have regarding Sending and Election is good. I think any questions regarding what “happens” at the rite or what they do should not be ask or answered.