A hundred people intending to join the Catholic Church came together from nearly 40 parishes across the diocese for the Rite of Election recently. Across the length and breadth of the diocese, from Frinton and Clacton to Walthamstow and Harlow, from Saffron Walden to Southend, Benfleet and Grays, they travelled to Brentwood Cathedral to be welcomed by Bishop Alan Williams sm. Their journey had begun with a Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) programme in their individual parishes and will come to fruition at the Easter Vigil. They were supported at the service by their priests, sponsors, families and friends.
Bishop Alan Williams sm received the Book of the Elect, signed by those making the commitment to become Catholics, during the service. Then the parish groups were introduced to the Bishop by those who have guided them through the RCIA journey, so that he could personally welcome each individual.
The Bishop told them that we are all the people of God. “We are all called to be saints,” he said.
Brentwood Cathedral Parish candidates
For more information about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) please see: www.rcia.org.uk
Those who are interested in becoming a Catholic and have questions to ask can also contact the Catholic Enquiry Office on tel: 020 7901 4863; email: [email protected] website: www.catholicfaith.org.uk/
Pictures from the Rite of Election
