At two special services at 1 pm and at 4:30 pm on the First Sunday of Lent (March 1 this year), catechumens and candidates from throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge assemble at St. Joseph Cathedral. Here Bishop Michael Duca formally approves ("elects") them to join the Church at Easter! Their sponsors and families join them for these joyful, large celebrations, each of which are followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.