A day out in Arundel

It's always wonderful when you meet people who want to become a part of the Church but it is even more amazing when you get to see on a wider scale just how many people wish to become a part of the Body of Christ. It's utterly edifying I can tell you. And that's what I and many others saw yesterday afternoon at Arundel Cathedral for the Rite of Election.

For Alison (a catechumen), Stuart, Judy, Matt (who sadly couldn't come), Emma and Rory (all candidates) it was just as exciting, if not a little nerve wracking too. During the Rite each Catechumen (a person who has not been baptised in any other Christian church) goes with their Godparent-to-be to and gathers arounf the sanctuary, waiting for their name to be called when they meet Bishop Kieran and sign their name in the Book of the Elect. By doing this they formally proclaim their desire to enter into full communion with the Church this Easter. There were loads of people in the group at the front and a very healthy, long queue to sign the book. And as if that wasn't fantastic enough there were even more candidates who were asking to be confirmed as Catholics this year. After the Bishop had been presented with the Book of the Elect each candidate's name was read out and they and their sponsor stood up. The list was incredibly long and you could barely see ahead of you for the sheer number of people. It was really, really fabulous to see.

In his homily Bishop Kieran said that this was one of the most special days in our diocese's calendar, a day that brought much joy, not just to the catechumens and candidates, but to everyone present and all those back in the parish communities. It was a time when you could visibly see that Catholics all over the diocese of Arundel and Brighton truly were witnessing to the gospel in their towns and families, were showing the light and love of Christ to others, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere so that anyone who felt that beautiful, loving, gentle call from Christ could answer it and honestly feel like they were "coming home." As I sat and watched all the different people signing their names and standing up and then meeting the bishop again at the end it made me see just how potent the Holy Spirit is in the lives of so many people, despite our culture becoming increasingly (and aggressively) secular he still moves hearts, draws people to the Father and to Jesus Christ. It's spine-tingling stuff you know! It also goes to show just how important our own witness is, if we don't share our faith then we can't expect there to be future Rites of Election or Easter Vigils with baptisms and confirmations. The more we show our love for Christ, no matter how difficult it may seem to be at times, the more people will come to know him too.

And now for a few piccies from yesterday...

Sue (left, sponsor) with Judy (right, candidate)

From left to right; Alison (catechumen), moi and Cathy (catechist)

From left to right; Cathy (catechist and sponsor), Bishop Kieran
and Emma (candidate)

Stuart (candidate)

Justina (left, sponsor and fiancee) with Rory (right, candidate and fiance)

From left to right; Alison (catechumen), Bishop Kieran and me

From left to right; Bishop Kieran, Sue (sponsor), her daughter, Judy (cadidate),
and her children

Please, please pray for Alison, Stuart, Judy, Matt, Emma and Rory this Lent and Easter. It's a very exciting and intense time of preparation for them and for us as a community too.

Welcomed in the name of Christ

Today the Church joyfully welcomed four wonderful people who, moved by the love of the Holy Spirit, expressed their heartfelt desire to become a part of the Roman Catholic Church, part of the Body of Christ. Alison, who is not baptised, celebrated her Rite of Acceptance and Stuart, Judy and Matt their Rite of Welcome. At each Mass the Church rejoiced in God having lead them here, His taking them by the hand and bringing them into the oneness of faith and, in prayer, welcomed them in the name of Christ.

They were each signed with the cross on their forehead by the priest and then their sponsors signed each of their senses. For the first time they all put on Christ as it were and opened themselves, every part of themselves, to God's word, to His will. It was powerful and beautiful to watch.

Receive the sign of the cross on your forehead.  It is Christ himself who now strengthens you with this sign of his love.

Receive the sign of the cross on your ears, that you may hear the voice of the Lord.

Receive the sign of the cross on your eyes,  that you may see the glory of God.

Receive the sign of the cross on your lips, that you may respond to the word of God.

Receive the sign of the cross over your heart, that Christ may dwell there by faith.

Receive the sign of the cross on your shoulders, that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ.

Receive the sign of the cross on your hands, that Christ may be known in the work which you do.

Receive the sign of the cross on your feet, that you may walk in the way of Christ.

From left to right; Fr. Richard, Robin (Stuart's sponsor), Stuart,
Alison, Margaret (Alison's sponsor) and Fr. Aaron

From left to right; Judy, her sponsor, Fr. Aaron, Deacon Tom,
Matt's sponsor and Matt

Please pray for Alison (a catechumen), Stuart, Judy and Matt (all candidates) as they take this next exciting and life changing step into the Church...and pray that many, many more will follow them!