On Saturday 29 February 2020, Bishop Michael McCarthy presided at the Vigil Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral during which the Rite of Election was celebrated. Fr Bryan Hanifin V.G., Fr John Daly, Fr Ronaldo Rodriguez and Fr Bill Senn concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Michael.

Catechumens from various centres throughout the Diocese participated in the Rite of Election. The Rite of Election (which usually coincides with the opening of Lent) marks the beginning of the period of final, more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation to be received during the Easter solemnities for catechumens.

During the Rite, on the basis of the testimony of godparents and of the catechumens’ reaffirmation of their intention, Bishop Michael, on behalf of the Church, judged their state of readiness to advance towards the sacraments of initiation.  This judgment is called “election” and as a sign of a pledge of fidelity, the catechumens (now called the Elect) were invited to inscribe their names in the book that lists those who have been chosen for initiation.

Candidates ie those who have already been validly baptised and who wish to complete their Christian initiation, were also invited to this special Mass and they and their sponsors were recognised and offered prayerful support for their journey in faith.

At the end of Mass, the catechumens and candidates received a small gift from Bishop Michael and were congratulated by the assembly with a round of applause.

 Afterwards, the Elect, the candidates, their sponsors and families enjoyed a shared meal at a local restaurant.

The following day, those who could attend were invited to gather for breakfast at The Cathedral College Boys’ Residential and afterwards to participate in a mini-retreat at the Cathedral Parish Centre.  Fr John Daly was the facilitator of the retreat and he invited participants to share in the journey of God’s hospitality: to “take the plunge” - the plunge into the life-giving water of Baptism, into the life of Christ Jesus; to receive the fullness of God’s spirit at Confirmation; to share the banquet of Christ’s sacrifice in the midst of the Church  . . . remembering always that God creates bridges. God is the master bridge builder making connections, building relationships: this is the hospitality of God.

Participants were also privileged to hear two very different but very interesting faith journeys to the Catholic Church by Catherine Simmonds and Trent Shillington.

 Pat McDevitt

(Bishop’s Liturgy Group)