Almost 500 people filled St Mary’s Cathedral for the celebration of the Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent, 1st March 2009. This joyful occasion saw 30 catechumens – preparing for baptism, and 58 candidates – preparing for reception into full communion with the Catholic Church, being presented to Bishop Terence. The number of catechumens and candidates was much greater than in previous years, and they represented 23 parishes from across the Diocese. Their godparents and sponsors, many of their parish priests, catechists and fellow parishioners were also present to support them.

Fr Michael Keogh, Diocesan Co-ordinator of the RCIA, welcomed everyone. During his homily, Bishop Terence described the catechumens and candidates as icons for the whole Church quoting from the first Preface of Lent: ‘Each year you give us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery’ and hoping that the one message everyone would take away with them was ‘that Lent was a joyful time’. Lent means the lengthening of days, days of new growth and new life. It is not an easy time, but with the Christian tools of Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving we learn to depend on God. The catechumens and candidates will continue their journey to the Easter Vigil, not only with the support of their families and friends but that of the whole Church.

The catechumens were presented to Bishop Terence, and as their names were read out by Caroline Dollard, Joint Co-ordinator of RCIA, they went forward with their godparents to stand before the Bishop around the sanctuary. After the godparents had been questioned, the catechumens went to the altar and publicly signed the Book of the Elect. The Bishop then signed the Book, and declared the catechumens to be now members of the Elect.

Next the candidates were then presented to the Bishop and after their sponsors had spoken on their behalf, he accepted them for reception into full communion with the Catholic Church this Easter. The Bishop then spoke briefly to each of the Elect and the candidates and presented them with a wooden cross, a symbol of new life; and their godparents and sponsors each received a prayer card reminding them of their very special call to prayer, support and encouragement for those in their care. The service continued with the Intercessions and Blessing, ending with the hymn: ‘Church of God, elect and glorious’. The celebration was enriched by the singing of the Diocesan Choir led by Fr Stephen Maughan, and also by the hospitality provided afterwards by the Cathedral parishioners.

Two weeks earlier, on 14th February, Bishop Terence had led the Retreat Day for the catechumens and candidates at All Saints School in York, which was also very well attended. His theme had been ‘Prayer’, and his talks were both helpful and practical, and illustrated with many of his own personal experiences.

After the great celebration of Easter, Bishop Terence invites everyone to the Vigil Mass of Pentecost, in thanksgiving for all who have been received into the Church this Easter, and in previous years. The Mass will be in the Cathedral on Saturday 30th May at 3.00 pm (this Mass fulfils the Sunday obligation). Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

Dates for your diary in 2010

Mass of Thanksgiving: Saturday 30th May 2009 at 3.00 pm at the Cathedral.
Retreat Day: Saturday 6th February 2010 at All Saints Lower School, York.
Rite of Election: Sunday 21st February 2010 at the Cathedral.