As the first Sunday of Lent arrived on March 9th, a palpable sense of joy and anticipation filled the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich. This was a day of great significance, as it marked the Rite of Election, a crucial milestone in the journey of catechumens and candidates towards full communion with the Catholic Church. The cathedral, a stunning example of architectural beauty, was filled with approximately 120 individuals from around 20 parishes across the Diocese of East Anglia, all of whom were eager to take the next step in their faith journey. These individuals, comprising both catechumens (those preparing for baptism) and candidates (those to be received into the Church), were accompanied by their godparents, sponsors, clergy, and parish communities, creating a vibrant and faith-filled atmosphere.
The Rite of Election, presided over by Bishop Alan Hopes on behalf of Bishop Peter Collins, was a deeply moving experience for all in attendance. As the catechumens and candidates were presented to the bishop, they were publicly acknowledging their desire to join the Catholic Church, a decision that would have a profound impact on their lives. This was a moment of great courage and conviction, as they stood before their parish communities and declared their intention to follow the teachings of Christ. Fr Alan Hodgson, Dean of the Cathedral Church, reflected on the significance of the event, saying, “It was a joyful affair which many people found quite moving and the first occasion given to them to express their calling to Catholicism in such a public manner.” This sentiment was echoed by the sense of excitement and anticipation that filled the cathedral, as these individuals embarked on the final stages of their journey towards full communion with the Church.
The Diocese of East Anglia has witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of individuals seeking to join the Catholic Church, with around 120 catechumens and candidates participating in this year’s Rite of Election, compared to approximately 80 last year. This uptick in numbers is a testament to the growing faith within the diocese and the effectiveness of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) courses, which have been instrumental in guiding these individuals on their spiritual journey. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a renewed interest in faith and spirituality, with many people seeking a deeper connection with their community and a sense of purpose. The RCIA courses, offered in parishes across the diocese, have provided a supportive and nurturing environment for these individuals to explore their faith and discern their calling to Catholicism.
As these catechumens and candidates prepare to enter into the sacramental life of the Church at Easter, they do so with the love and support of their parish communities. The journey towards full communion is not one that is taken alone, but rather it is a path that is walked with the guidance and encouragement of others. The parish communities, comprised of clergy, sponsors, and fellow parishioners, play a vital role in nurturing and supporting these individuals, providing them with the spiritual guidance and practical support they need to deepen their faith. As they approach the Easter season, these individuals will be immersed in a series of rituals and sacraments that will mark their formal entrance into the Catholic Church, a moment that will be filled with joy, tears, and a deep sense of connection to their faith community.
The Easter season, with its themes of renewal and rebirth, provides a powerful backdrop for these individuals to embark on their new life in Christ. As they prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation, they are filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation, knowing that their lives will be forever changed by this experience. The journey towards full communion is one that is marked by moments of great beauty and great challenge, but ultimately, it is a journey that is filled with joy, hope, and a deep sense of connection to the divine. As Fr Alan Hodgson so eloquently stated, “May this Easter be truly blessed for all those taking this significant step in faith, and may they find joy and strength in their new life in Christ.” These words capture the essence of the Rite of Election, which is a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity for growth, transformation, and love.
In the end, the Rite of Election is a testament to the power of faith to bring people together and to transform their lives. As the catechumens and candidates from the Diocese of East Anglia embark on the final stages of their journey towards full communion, they do so with the knowledge that they are not alone. They are supported by their parish communities, guided by the teachings of the Church, and filled with a deep sense of purpose and meaning. As they approach the Easter season, they are filled with a sense of joy, hope, and anticipation, knowing that their lives will be forever changed by this experience. The Rite of Election is a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity for love, forgiveness, and redemption, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith to bring people together and to change their lives forever.
