RCIA GROUP ATTENDS RITE OF ELECTION

Bishop Richard Moth

Groups from all over the Diocese travelled to the Cathedral of Our Lady and St. Philip Howard in Arundel on Saturday 29th February.  The occasion was the annual Rite of Election,

when those seeking full communion with the Catholic Church through the RCIA* process join Bishop Richard Moth to celebrate their calling.  Altogether there were 44 Catechumens – those not yet baptised – and 75 Candidates – those previously baptised – along with their catechists, Godparents and sponsors.  During the ceremony the Catechumens signed their names in the Book of the Elect, which was then presented to the Bishop who declared them ‘members of the Elect of God’.

The Catechumens stand as their names are called...

...and gather in front of the Bishop with their Godparents

The 'Book of the Elect' is presented to Bishop Richard

The party from Guildford Parish numbered seven Catechumens and Candidates, with the RCIA team, godparents, sponsors and friends to support them.  The group enjoyed a pub lunch before the ceremony – the wonderful RCIA team really does think of everything!

The class of 2020: CPG RCIA catechists and participants

The Catechumens and Candidates will receive the sacraments during the Easter Vigil celebrations on Holy Saturday night.

During the day it was a pleasure to see at least two ‘old friends’ of Guildford, Fr. Ian Byrnes and Deacon Adrian Burnett.

* RCIA – the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Photographs courtesy of A&B News.