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People across our diocesan community of faith journeyed to Arundel Cathedral on Saturday for the Rite of Election. The celebration – which takes place in Catholic cathedrals across the world during the first weekend of Lent – marked an important step for those who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation, including Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, usually celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
 
This year’s celebration was particularly busy, with 105 Catechumens, who are preparing for baptism, and 105 Candidates for reception into the Church and confirmation, accompanied by godparents, sponsors, catechists, parishioners and family members from across the Diocese. Speaking during the homily, Bishop Richard said:

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“All those here today preparing for baptism, following the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit, have opened hearts and minds to the gift of Hope. We rejoice with you as you look towards your pilgrimage, accompanied by Jesus Himself…

“We rejoice, too, with our Candidates, preparing to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church… This Easter will be one of special joy for each one of you, for our Diocese and for the whole Church, as you join us in the mission to which Christ has called us.”

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During the service, each Catechumen signed the Book of the Elect, the primary symbolic action of the rite. Reflecting shortly afterwards, our Liturgy & Music Adviser, Catherine Christmas, said:

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“The commitment and discipleship that is signified by the act of putting one’s name on the line in signing of the Book of the Elect is more than the catechumens' choice to serve God: it is God who first called and chose them.

“They have responded to that call, and their signature is not just a sign of their commitment to be faithful to the God who chose them, but also a sign that God has placed their names onto the roll of those who will put their lives on the line, first by dying (to self, to their old way of life) in the waters of baptism, then by rising to new life in Christ, sacrificing themselves and living as resurrected people each day, carrying out Christ's mission in the world. It is very moving to see people 'putting their names on the line'. In the early days of the Church, before Christianity was legal, that act could literally mean putting one's life on the line.”

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You can read Bishop Richard’s homily in full by click the button below. Photographs from the celebration taken by Harry Robertson, will be uploaded to the diocesan Flickr feed later this month.

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The Diocese would like to thank all those who attended and contributed to the day including the music group which included a number of young musicians, including 15-year-old Nathan from Bognor who played the organ at the end of the service.