Who typically presides over the Rite of Election in RCIA?

Who typically presides over the Rite of Election in RCIA?

• A. The catechetical leader
• B. The deacon
• C. The bishop
• D. The parish priest

Answer: (C)

The bishop typically presides over the Rite of Election. This moment marks the Church’s official recognition that the catechumens are ready to be elected to receive Baptism, then Confirmation and the Eucharist at Easter. Because the Rite of Election is a diocesan rite—signifying the union of the local Church with the universal Church—the bishop, as the ordinary of the diocese and the Church’s chief shepherd, leads the ceremony. His participation emphasizes that the elect belong to the whole Church and are being formally welcomed into the body of believers. In rare cases, a priest can preside if the bishop is unavailable, but the norm is for the bishop to preside.

The bishop typically presides over the Rite of Election. This moment marks the Church’s official recognition that the catechumens are ready to be elected to receive Baptism, then Confirmation and the Eucharist at Easter. Because the Rite of Election is a diocesan rite—signifying the union of the local Church with the universal Church—the bishop, as the ordinary of the diocese and the Church’s chief shepherd, leads the ceremony. His participation emphasizes that the elect belong to the whole Church and are being formally welcomed into the body of believers. In rare cases, a priest can preside if the bishop is unavailable, but the norm is for the bishop to preside.