RCIA Rite of Election
On the first Sunday of Lent, 17 February, those involved in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in the Diocese attended the Rite of Election at the Cathedral in Hamilton.
This celebration is for all catechumens (unbaptised and now known as the elect), and for candidates who have been baptised in other Christian faiths.
"The celebration of 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, during which the elect will be encouraged to follow Christ with greater generosity." (RCIA #105)
"This step is called election because the acceptance made by the Church is founded on the election by God, in whose name the Church acts." (RCIA #106)
Bishop Bill presided at this liturgy, which involved two catechumens from the Largs community in the Maitland parish, and one catechumen from the City Region. There were 16 baptised candidates presented to Bishop Bill, eight from the Chisholm Region, six from Blackbutt South and two from the City Region.
Afternoon tea was enjoyed by all after the liturgy.
