First Pontifical Syro-Malabar Mass in Slipper Chapel
March 8, 2017
Breaking the taboo about sharing our faith
March 10, 2017
Around 50 people preparing to be baptised or confirmed and received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church were personally greeted by Bishop Alan Hopes at the Rite of Election service at St John's Cathedral in Norwich on Sunday (March 5).
Catchecumens and Candidates from across the Diocese of East Anglia gathered at the cathedral with their sponsors to take part in the important stage of their journey of initiation and preparation to receive the Eucharist, mostly for the first time, at the Easter Vigil at the end of Lent.
Catechumens are adults who have never been baptised and seek to become members of the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
Candidates are adults who have been baptised in another Christian denomination and seek to be members of the Catholic Church through the Rite of Reception and the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
Bishop Alan told said to them: "Today is a celebration of your hope and trust in Jesus Christ, to whom you turn for salvation. Today you are being elected, chosen, called to salvation. The Church rejoices with you as she numbers you amongst all those who have been called and chosen.
"During Lent, together with the whole Church, you are being called to turn to the Lord. You are being called to deepen you commitment to Him and so grow in holiness. You are being called to become saints of God."
Pictures from the Rite of Election above and full gallery below.
