Journey to Faith: A Reflection on the Rite of Election
As Lent begins, the liturgical readings present us with a profound juxtaposition that speaks to the very heart of the human condition. On one hand, we witness humanity’s original fall from grace in Genesis, where Adam and Eve succumb to temptation in the garden. On the other, we see Christ in the wilderness, facing similar temptations but remaining steadfast where our first parents faltered. This powerful contrast frames the meaning of the Rite of Election celebrated recently at St John the Baptist Cathedral in the Diocese of East Anglia—a ceremony marking a critical milestone for those preparing to enter the Catholic Church. The journey of these catechumens mirrors our collective spiritual path: acknowledging our brokenness while embracing the redemption offered through Christ’s victory over sin.
The Rite of Election itself unfolded with beautiful simplicity and deep personal significance for each participant. One by one, catechumens were called by name, standing alongside their godparents in response to a divine invitation that echoes through the centuries. There is something profoundly moving about this moment—when an individual, having heard God’s call in the quiet of their heart, publicly acknowledges that summons before the community. Their sponsors testified to their readiness, speaking to the genuine faith journey each catechumen had undertaken. The gathered assembly then affirmed this testimony, creating a moment of communion between those who have long walked in faith and those newly embarking on this path. This collective affirmation reminds us that faith is never merely individual but always lived within the embrace of community.
Perhaps the most poignant moment came as each catechumen approached Bishop Peter to inscribe their name in the Book of the Elect. With this simple act of writing, something profound was declared both visibly and invisibly. These souls were no longer called catechumens but the Elect—those chosen to receive the sacraments of initiation at the coming Easter Vigil. One can imagine the weight of this moment for each person—the culmination of months or perhaps years of questioning, searching, and gradually opening their hearts to God’s invitation. As Bishop Peter greeted each one personally, the universal Church became intimately particular, the vast mystery of faith encountering each person in their uniqueness. The godparents then placed hands on the shoulders of the Elect in a gesture both protective and commissioning, signifying both support offered and responsibility accepted.
Alongside the unbaptized catechumens were candidates already baptized in other Christian traditions, now preparing for full communion with the Catholic Church. Their journey differs somewhat—their baptismal identity already established—yet they too stand at a threshold, preparing to enter more deeply into the sacramental life of the Catholic faith. Like the catechumens, they came forward to be recognized by Bishop Peter, their sponsors placing hands on their shoulders in solidarity and support. Though their paths toward Easter differ in sacramental terms, both groups share in the essential pilgrimage of faith—moving from darkness toward light, from separation toward communion, from seeking toward finding. The Church embraces both journeys, recognizing God’s grace already at work in different ways in each person’s life.
The celebration concluded with heartfelt intercessions and the exchange of peace, but its significance extends far beyond the cathedral walls. In an era when religious commitment often appears to be declining, the sight of so many adults freely choosing Christ and his Church stands as a powerful counter-witness. Each person present represents a unique story of God’s patient, persistent invitation and a human heart gradually opening to receive it. Some may have experienced dramatic conversion moments; others likely followed a quieter path of growing certainty. Some may have faced opposition from family or friends; others received encouragement and support. But all have arrived at this moment through the mysterious interplay of divine grace and human freedom—the same dynamic that has brought souls to baptism for two thousand years.
As Lent unfolds, the Elect and candidates enter a period of final preparation, supported by the prayers of the faithful throughout the diocese. They will undergo scrutinies, experience deeper catechesis, and prepare their hearts for the sacraments that await at Easter. Their journey invites all of us—whether cradle Catholics or converts of many years—to renew our own appreciation for the gift of faith. Their hunger for the Eucharist can reawaken our own. Their joy in approaching the baptismal waters can refresh our gratitude for our own baptism. In this way, those newest to the faith often become its most powerful witnesses, reminding the entire Church of the treasure we carry sometimes too casually. As we watch Christ defeat temptation in the wilderness this Lent, we see mirrored both our own struggles and the promise of victory through him who makes all things new—the same Christ who continues to call men and women to himself through the enduring witness of his Church.
