An invitation was extended by Bishop Michael McCarthy, to all catechumens and candidates in the Diocese of Rockhampton, to participate in the Rite of Election and the Enrolment of Names.  The celebration took place on Saturday 9 March 2019 at St Joseph’s Cathedral during the 6.00 pm Vigil Mass with Bishop Michael presiding.  Fr Bryan Hanifin, Fr John Daly andFr Shaiju Lookose cmi concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Michael.

The celebration of the Rite of Election, which usually coincides with the opening of Lent, also marks the beginning of the period of final, more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation.

The catechumens were supported by their godparents and families and the candidates by their sponsors and families.  The spirit of hospitality from the assembled congregation gave a warm and loving feeling to the Mass, deepened by the inspiring music reverently shared by the The Cathedral College school community.

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

 The celebrations were continued with the sharing of a meal at the Red Lion Hotel for those who could attend.  It was a wonderful opportunity for catechumens and candidates from around the Diocese to get to know one another.

 Those who could attend were invited to gather for breakfast at the Mercy Centre at The Cathedral College and then re-assemble at the Cathedral Parish Centre for a mini-retreat the next day.  Fr John Daly was the director of the retreat and he made a beautiful connection of the sacraments from birth to death.  The visual display and the imagery of the sacraments as a ‘bridge’ throughout life connecting us to the outward, tangible touch of God were very powerful.

The gathering was then privileged to be witness to testimonials of two women who had been part of the RCIA in the past.  Kate Lipke was a catechumen and received the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church in 2016. The story of her journey and the thoughts and emotions which encouraged her to choose the Catholic faith were thought-provoking and a wonderful witness to the working of the Holy Spirit.  Claire Stitt, a candidate, was baptised in the Church of England as a child and completed the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church in 1997.  Claire’s journey began in England, under the guidance of her mother and then on to the Diocese of Rockhampton where, through the years she experienced various parishes and Catholic schools. Both ladies told of heartfelt discernment and of the wonderful people along the way, who, each in their own way, helped them with the decision to become a Catholic.

 Bishop Michael was thanked for making this event possible at a Diocesan level as were all those who accepted the invitation to join the Diocesan family in witnessing the enrolment of names and the presentation of candidates.

Jocelyne Benoit (Diocesan Liturgical Commission)