MORE THAN 600 people asking to be received into the Church in the Diocese of Westminster were welcomed to Westminster Cathedral, London, by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor to celebrate the Rite of Election on February 18 and February 25.
The celebration of the Rite of Election takes place before reception of the sacraments of initiation Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist — which will occur at the Easter Vigil, and the candidates — those already baptised and now preparing to complete their initiation by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist — were welcomed and encouraged on their journey.
Anthony Curran of the Diocese of Westminster Agency for Evangelisation said: The Rite of Election is always a magnificent occasion and this year the sense of excitement was witness to the joy of the moment.
"The tremendous support given by godparents and sponsors, catechists and priests, and families and friends, brought home to catechumens and candidates that they do not travel alone on their journey."
Members of the Diocese of Westminster are encouraged to pray for the elect and the candidates, especially as they begin their period of final preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments, with the following words: "God of love and power, it is your will to establish everything in Christ and to draw us into his all-embracing love. Guide these chosen brothers and sisters of ours, strengthen them in their vocation, build them into the kingdom of your Son, and seal them with the Spirit of your promise. We ask this through Christ our Lord."