‘Yes we are!’

The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion

The cold winds outside proved to be in total contrast to the warmth of spirit inside St Mary’s Cathedral for the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion on the afternoon of Sunday 21st February 2010.

About the Rite of Election

The Rite of Election is for Catechumens (those preparing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist); they are accompanied on their journey in faith by godparents.

During the Rite of Election, catechumens enrol by signing their names in the Book of the Elect, a public gesture which symbolises the seriousness of their commitment to proceed to the celebration of the Easter sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

Following the Rite of Election, catechumens are known as ‘The Elect‘.

About the Call to Continuing Conversion

The Call to Continuing Conversion is for Candidates (those who have already been baptised and who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and/or Eucharist). Those candidates who are not baptised in the Roman Catholic Church are also preparing for reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church. Candidates are accompanied on their journey to full communion by sponsors.

On the day there were catechumens (young and perhaps not so young) and their godparents from St Mary’s Cathedral and Sacred Heart parishes in Middlesbrough, from St Bede’s in Marske, St Alban’s in Redcar, the Scarborough parishes, St Wilfrid’s in York, Ss Leonard and Mary in Malton, and Sacred Heart, St Francis of Assisi and St Charles Borromeo in Hull.

In his sermon Bishop Terry spoke of our calling, and the ability to recognise our own name being mentioned even in a crowd (and, as he explained to everyone’s amusement, even when it is not referring to us). Click the link below to hear Bishop Terry’s message at the Rite of Election.

 

 Bishop Terry's message at the Rite of Election 2010 [7:31m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The godparents and then the whole assembly then affirmed that the catechumens were sufficiently prepared to be enrolled among the Elect and, in answer to Bishop Terry’s question ‘Are you ready to support them?’, responded with a resounding ‘Yes we are!’

Then came the presentation of the Candidates. They came from even more parishes; from Middlesbrough they came from St Mary’s Cathedral, Sacred Heart and St Clare’s, from Christ the King and St Patrick’s in Thornaby, St Andrew’s in Teesville, St Alban’s and St Augustine’s in Redcar, St Gabriel’s in Ormesby, St Bede’s in Marske, St Wilfrid’s, English Martyrs, St Paulinus’ and St George’s in York, the Scarborough parishes, the Benedictine parishes of St Benedict’s in Ampleforth and Our Lady and Holy Angels in Gilling East, English Martyrs in Sleights, Ss Leonard and Mary in Malton, Our Lady and St Peter’s in Bridlington, Our Lady of Lourdes in Hessle, and from Hull St Charles Borromeo, Sacred Heart and St Stephen’s.

Each candidate was presented by their sponsor to Bishop Terry who presented them with a cross and enjoyed a private word with them.

Following the presentation of the candidates there were prayers of intercession and a prayer over the elect and the candidates.

After the blessing and the dismissal there was time for informal get togethers with friends from far and wide, a fitting end to a wonderful service.

Photos courtesy of Les Clark (rounded-cornered photos) and Lars Karlsson (rectangular photos).

The full set of Les’ photos can be found on the Diocesan galleries at gallery.me.com/middlesbroughdiocese#101214 and on the Diocesan Flickr account at www.flickr.com/photos/middlesbroughdiocese/sets/72157623381698847/.

Lars’ photos can be seen at his own galleries at gallery.me.com/princehill#100205