Twenty-four people were presented to Bishop Patrick O’Regan on Sunday (March 1) as they prepare for full reception into the Catholic Church.
The Rite of Election was a joyful celebration held at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sale. Bishop Pat spent time before the ceremony meeting all the Catechumens and Candidates and listening to their stories of their journey to this stage.
“We had 17 Catechumens and 7 Candidates from the Parishes of Berwick, Clyde North, Cranbourne, Drouin, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Sale and Warragul, said RCIA Co-ordinator Rita Elswyk.
Ms Elswyk said the group was presented to the Bishop and he declared the Elect and Candidates ready for the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter and full reception into the Catholic Church.
Catechumens and Candidates are preparing for Easter with the support of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) teams in parishes, their sponsors, their prospective Godparents and other supporters.
Bishop Pat spoke to the Catechumens and Candidates reminding them, that the Easter ceremony was just the beginning of their journey and not the end. That God is always faithful to those he calls; our duty was to be faithful to Him.
He said during Lent, in preparation for Easter we all need to be in Communion with God, ourselves and others.
Beautiful music for the ceremony was provided by the Diocesan choir.
After the ceremony lovely afternoon tea was served for the Catechumens and Candidates and their supporters.
Photo: Catechumens and Godparents, Candidates and Sponsors, with Bishop Pat O'Regan.
