On 16 March, ten adults from four parishes of the Diocese, commenced the final part of their journey to becoming Catholic at the Rite of Election at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo.
Over the past year, with support from people in their parishes, especially their sponsors, these nine Catechumens and one Candidate* have been immersed in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), a process of conversion which prepares adults seeking full communion with the Catholic Church for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
These adults have participated in inquiry and formation studying the Gospel, Catholic teachings, Church traditions and practices so they can be ready for the sacraments.
At the Rite of Election, the Church, symbolised and embodied by the Bishop, acts in God’s name to choose them to be ready to be disciples and therefore receive the sacraments at Easter.
On Sunday 30 March, these ten adults will be joined by their sponsors, pastoral associates and members of the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Life Team at the RCIA Retreat in Kyabram where they will deepen their understanding of the sacraments and continue to grow in their faith.
Please pray for these individuals as they prepare for the final Rites of Initiation this Lenten season.
*Catechumens are adults who have not been baptised. Candidates are adults who have been baptised in another Christian Church. After the Rite of Election, Candidates are known as ‘the Elect’.
