RC Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle

15 March 2011: Press Release from the National Bishop's Conference :

People from all walks of life take a significant step towards becoming Catholics

More than 4700 people gathered in Cathedrals across England and Wales this weekend as part of their preparation to be received into the Catholic Church.

Each year those preparing to join the Catholic Church are invited to attend a gathering called the Rite of Election. It is usually presided over by the Bishop and inaugurates the final period of preparation before being received into the Church. The Rite of Election is an important part of a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) which is designed to support adults attracted by Christ and his teaching. In the months leading up to the Rite of Election it is usual for small groups to meet weekly to pray together and to find out more about the Catholic Faith.

The table below shows the number of people who attended the Rite of Election at their local cathedral at the weekend. In some dioceses, because of the vast distances between parish churches and cathedrals, not everyone who is preparing to become a Catholic was able to attend the gathering in the cathedral. This means that liturgies will also have taken place in some parish churches.

The people coming forward to be received into the Catholic Church are from all walks of life. A lorry driver, doctor, law clerk and a student are among several thousand people who are preparing to become Catholics. Bethany, for example, is a student at the University of Newcastle and will be received into the Catholic Church at Easter: ‘I think God has always been drawing me along my journey – at the difficult times and at the best times… I definitely think that the Journey in Faith will change my life.’

Meanwhile lorry driver, Michael, from Portsmouth shared: ‘One time when I visited St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, the peace was so tangible that I didn’t want to leave…it was something that I’d never experienced in my life before... I knew it was time for me to make enquiries about becoming a Catholic.’

For a doctor, Clare, from Wadhurst Parish, the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the UK was influential: ‘We watched virtually every step of his journey and my sons and I joined a pilgrimage to Hyde Park… All my prejudices and fears melted away as I recognised the love and humility shining out of his eyes.’

More stories can be read at: www.catholicchurch.org.uk/Catholic-Church/Home-Mission (including two from Hexham and Newcastle Diocese)

The number of people who participated in the celebrations at the weekend is as follows:

*This column includes people who are preparing to be baptised and also those who have been baptised in another Christian denomination. In addition, the column to the right titled ‘Personal Ordinariate’ indicates those who will be received into the Catholic Church and are registering to join the Ordinariate.

Bishop Kieran Conry, Chair of the Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis (Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales), said: ‘The witness of so many people taking this life-changing step is so very encouraging.  Each year people freely choose to come forward from all walks of life, bringing with them unique experiences and talents. The Catholic Community welcomes them with love, friendship and the assurance of prayer. If you’re considering taking a similar step or are not sure yet, come and see. Give your local Catholic church a ring or ask a Catholic friend for help.’