Archbishop William Lori canceled Rite of Election liturgies scheduled for Feb. 22 at two major churches in the Archdiocese of Baltimore as a winter storm brought anywhere from a few inches to more than a foot of snow to the region, according to a report from The Catholic Review, the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s news outlet.
“Due to the extreme winter weather expected on February 22, 2026, the Rite of Election has been cancelled at both the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Baltimore, and the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg,” the archdiocese said in a notice. “The OCIA rites will not be rescheduled this year at the archdiocesan level.”
The statement advised participants to contact their pastor or Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) coordinator for further details and thanked parishioners for their “understanding and cooperation as we prioritize safety during this upcoming winter storm.”
Instead of holding a central celebration, Archbishop Lori delegated to pastors the authority to celebrate the Rite of Election locally during this Lenten season because of the extraordinary weather situation.
The Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion, both part of the Church’s OCIA, are typically celebrated together on or near the First Sunday of Lent. The Rite of Election formally recognizes and "elects" catechumens, or unbaptized adults, as chosen by God and the Church affirming their readiness for baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. The Call to Continuing Conversion similarly recognizes candidates, already baptized Christians from other traditions, preparing for Confirmation, the Eucharist, and full communion, acknowledging their ongoing journey toward complete integration into the Catholic community.
More than 1,280 catechumens and candidates had been expected to participate in the Feb. 22 liturgies — a more than 67% increase from last year, according to the archdiocese.