What a truly special joy it was last night (Easter Sunday Vigil Mass at St. John's), after weeks of dedicated preparation and discernment, to witness (pictured left to right) Sarah, Sid, Flynn, Stephen, and Hanna embrace the fullness of faith and join our Catholic family! Their journey is an inspiration, and their presence enriches us all. Our warmest congratulations to each of them! We also extend immense gratitude to their sponsors and families, whose unwavering love, guidance, and prayers supported them on this incredible path. 

We listened to the Readings for Mass and then Bishop Stephen spoke to us about how God has called so many people to taking this step; some who have never been baptised and some who have come from the background of being part of another Christian denomination.

The Bishop recalled the first time he attended the Rite of Election when he was a boy and how his father took part in the ceremony in Saint Chad’s Cathedral in Birmingham. He told us that each year the Rite of Election bring back those memories and fills him with great joy and the realisation of what a privilege it is to be part of it.

He reminded us that the celebration is not a moment of triumphalism or undermining the faith traditions from which people came. Instead it is a celebration that values the life journey of each person as we hear the invitation to discipleship and follow Christ wherever he calls us. 

Our five candidates and catechumens came forward with all the others who were present in the Cathedral to be personally welcomed by Bishop Stephen and to sign their names in the Book of the Elect.

The church was full and the Diocesan Choir led us in the music. Bishop Stephen welcomed one hundred and sixty five people who had come with family and friends for this moving occasion.

Bishop Stephen prayed:

‘May the Lord write their names in the Book of Life and number them among his saints.'

And declared them now to be members of the Elect to be baptised and received into the Church.

Please remember in your prayers our group of members of the Elect and their sponsors and loved ones. We look forward to their becoming fully members of the Church in the coming weeks.