The Diocese of Belleville held the annual Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion Feb. 14 at St. Peter Cathedral in Belleville.

Catechumens — those who have not been baptized — and candidates were invited to the cathedral from across the diocese for the rite and the call.

The Rite of Election marks the end of the catechumenate when the names of the unbaptized are inscribed in the Book of the Elect.

These “elect” now begin a period of purification and enlightenment to prepare to celebrate the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist in their parishes.

The candidates answer the Call to Continuing Conversion and mark this as a completion of their period of preparation to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Catholic church.

The elect came with their godparents and the candidates with their sponsors.

(In photo: Bishop Edward K. Braxton meets Ottilie Linck of Holy Childhood Parish in Mascoutah with her godparent, Robert Wilson at St. Peter Cathedral in Belleville.)