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A multitude of people from across our community of faith gathered in Arundel Cathedral on Saturday 17 March, for the Rite of Election.

The Rite of Election is celebrated in every Catholic cathedral in the world this weekend, bringing together all the adults preparing for baptism in that diocese. Until the Rite of Election, the Church calls them catechumens (a Greek word, meaning ‘one in whom the word echoes’) but once they have signed their names, they become "Elect"– chosen ones – chosen by God to be members of his Church.

During the Rite of Election, they were each called by name – as God has called all of us by name to be his own – and asked whether, with the support and prayers of their godparents and the whole congregation, they wish to join fully with the Church’s life through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. They were then presented individually to Bishop Richard and signed their names in the Book of the Elect.

Baptised adults who are candidates for confirmation were also called by name, to continuing conversion in preparation for their confirmation, accompanied by the prayers and support of their sponsors and the whole community.

At our diocesan celebration this year, more than 60 catechumens and nearly 90 candidates for confirmation participated in the service, and they and their families, sponsors, godparents, catechists and supporters filled the cathedral. 31 parishes from across the Diocese were represented in all.

Bishop Richard told the catechumens and candidates that this would be a Lent they would always remember: the one when they were preparing to receive the Sacraments, and, in his introduction to the Order of Service, gave thanks "that they have listened to the gentle voice of the Spirit and are now drawing ever closer to the One who has died and risen for us."

After the presentation of the Book of Elect, Bishop Richard illustrated for the congregation the significance of declaring oneself by signing one’s name for Christ: in the Early Church, such lists were, if the Roman authorities obtained them, "ready-made lists of martyrs."

The work of the Formation Team in gathering and welcoming the large number of attendees, ensured that everyone could participate fully and a large choir, drawn from across the Diocese and directed by Anne Ward, contributed to the beauty of the occasion. The joy of all those present who were preparing to receive the sacraments bore powerful witness to "their desire for Christ and […] their commitment to become His disciples and His witnesses to the world."