This year’s Rite of Election takes place in our Cathedral at 11am on Saturday 17th February. On this first Saturday of Lent, as at the start of every Lent, our diocesan family will gather at the cathedral together with our bishop to celebrate the Rite of Election, where those who are journeying towards becoming part of our Catholic community are presented to Bishop Declan.
For many of those who attend it will be their first experience of a liturgy in the Cathedral. Here family and friends, sponsors and godparents, will join with those preparing for Baptism (catechumens) and those preparing to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church (candidates) as they come to this stage of their journey towards reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The catechumens and candidates will be supported by their own communities and the wider diocesan family for this celebration of their faith and their commitment to live out the gospel which they are now embracing, forming a loving friendship with God whom they are called to know and make known. The witness that these candidates and catechumens give in taking this brave step is always an inspiration to those who come to pray for them and to support them in their journey. It is also a reminder of our own call to continual conversion of our hearts and our lives.
Please do join our diocesan family as we welcome to our Cathedral both catechumens and candidates. All are most welcome to attend!
