LEWISTON – The Catholic diocese is holding special celebrations in four parishes, including one in Lewiston, this weekend to welcome those who wish to become full members of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Richard J. Malone will preside over the Rites of Election at 2 p.m. Sunday at Saints Peter and Paul Basilica. Other celebrations will take place in Portland, Bangor and Caribou. About 300 people from throughout the diocese are in the formal process of becoming baptized or preparing for reception into full communion in the Catholic faith.

This year, Lent began on Wednesday and it’s the traditional time for the church to recognize those on the journey for full reception into the Catholic faith. Catechumens (those who have never been baptized) and candidates (those who have been baptized in other faith traditions) are invited to pray, reflect on the Scriptures, fast and join in the community’s practice of charity.

The entire parish membership is also called to pray for and support those who wish to join the Catholic Church. This final step toward full communion with the Church concludes at Easter. The process of passage into the Catholic community usually takes one to two years so that catechumens and candidates have the opportunity to experience an entire church year in order to make an informed decision.