This week, Bishop Weisenburger of the Diocese of Tucson celebrated the Rite of Election for the diocese's RCIA candidates. The candidates will be baptized during the Easer Vigil. 

During the celebration, Bishop Weisenburger gathered with 27 parishes. The Rite of Election includes 86 catechumens who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at Easter. 

Another 123 candidates were presented to the Bishop who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Diocese of Tucson asks for prayers for those who are about to enter the fullness of the Catholic Church. 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process through which adults can enter into communion with the Catholic Church. According to the USCCB, the first step in the RCIA process is called the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. During this time, an individual discerns that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. 

Next, the individual enters into the Period of the Catechumenate. During this time, the individuals "consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God's inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means." 

The Rite of Election is the next step and typically takes place on the first Sunday of Lent. During the Rite of Election, "the Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect." 

During the Rite of Election and the Easter Vigil is the Period of Purification and Enlightenment. Finally, during the Easter Vigil, the Elect receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, becoming full members of the Catholic Church. 

In 2015, "there were 39,721 adult baptisms and 71,809 people received into full communion," according to the USCCB.