On Sunday 10th February, the first Sunday in Lent, hundreds of people from all parishes in the diocese gathered together for the Rite of Election in St Mary's Cathedral. During this service those people who are going to become full members of the Catholic Church at Easter were welcomed as the "Elect" or chosen ones.
Canon Cunningham, the Vicar General, led the service, and in his homily addressed the candidates and catechumens. "Long before elections were part of our history," he said," God was selecting the people of Israel to be a chosen people. This was not because they were anything out of the ordinary, or powerful or clever, but the important thing was once they were chosen they were to belong to God for ever."
He continued: " We too are called to be a chosen people - a Church - signs of God's presence in the world. God has chosen you to be a holy people and today your Sponsors and Godparents testify to this. You have been listening to God's Word and allowing that Word to come to life in you and change you and transform you. Today as a Church we support you on your journey."
The candidates and sponsors were welcome individually as members of the Elect.
Parishes of the Diocese gathered together for the Rite of Election
Candidates and Catechumens are welcomed individually
Part of the large group of catechumens and candidates present at the Rite of Election