The
Rite
of
Election
and
Call
to
Continuing
Conversion

2009

 


The Book of the Elect

A record 547 Catechumens and Candidates at
The Rite of Election

Saturday, 28th February 2009
Saint George's Cathedral, Southwark


 

A personal recollection from Julia Mitchell
 

Last year I went to Lourdes in France with ACROSS. The pilgrimage was so uplifting spiritually, emotionally and physically it made a deep impression on me. I decided I wanted to become a Catholic. After a chat with Father Jim, my parish priest, I started going to mass. I was made welcome by many in the congregation and I enrolled for the RCIA. The Rite of Election at St George's Cathedral was so impressive it strengthened my commitment and I cannot wait for Easter when I am accepted into the Church.

 

The Cathedral before the ceremony

A personal recollection from John Ryan


I had always respected the Catholic Church for standing up for Christian values in today's secular society and resisting pressure to compromise them.

After meeting Father Jim (the parish priest) I started going to mass and joined the RCIA group. Going to St George's Cathedral for the Rite of Election was deeply moving. As a son of a Catholic who was not brought up in the faith, it made me feel like I was coming home to where I belong. 

 

Maggs Shepherd, the pianist, practicing before the ceremony

Father Alan McLean rehearsing with the congregation

Signing The Book of the Elect in the baptistry

Archbishop Kevin, Bishops John and Paul and Mgr Richard Moth in the library of Archbishop's House before the ceremony. Mgr Richard was standing in for Bishop Patrick who was visiting his mother in hospital in Ireland. The Archbishop mentioned this at the beginning of the ceremony and asked for prayers for Mrs Lynch.

Procession from Archbishop's House to the Cathedral

Father John O'Toole, Director of the Christian Education Centre, briefs Archbishop Kevin on the way to the Cathedral

The servers were from the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, Lee

The Archbishop enters the Cathedral

A view of the Cathedral from behind the Archbishop's cathedra

Procession with The Book of the Elect

Reading of names

The Archbishop during the reading of names

The Book of the Elect on the table in front of the altar

Catechumens and their godparents in the sanctuary

The Archbishop holds The Book of the Elect which he has signed and dated

Archbishop Kevin with Deacon Samuel Gyepi-Garbrah from the Sacred Heart, Camberwell

The Archbishop leaving the Cathedral is greeted by Philip Smith, the Senior Southwark student at Wonersh

Archbishop Kevin with the people after the ceremony

Canon James Cronin, the Cathedral Dean, after the ceremony

Archbishop Kevin with the people after the ceremony
 


A VIEW FROM A FIRST YEAR
SOUTHWARK SEMINARIAN


Canon James Cronin with Southwark seminarians


On Saturday, 28th February the Southwark Seminarians had the privilege of being invited to assist at this major Diocesan event at St George's Cathedral.

As one of the two First Years I am pleased to offer these first impressions. (Daniel Weatherley, the other First Year having had the opportunity to attend previously.)

Having spent the last twenty years in business I am well used to the notion that the outcome of any transaction may  be determined within the first 40 seconds! Well this was certainly true of the Rite of Election, in that from the moment we arrived to join in the extensive frenzy of well organised, detailed and elaborate preparations, there was a feeling of great anticipation: something very special was about to happen!

This was also the first opportunity to meet the team from the Christian Education Centre who coordinate the event with great sensitivity, not letting the large numbers and complex issues get in the way of a concern for those attending and what the event is for.

The Liturgy itself whilst strikingly simple was incredibly thoughtful and united by the inspirational music.

The experience was given a special cohesion by the dramatic artwork that portrayed not only the theme of the Rite but also the fundamental invitation from God at the heart of our faith.

The presence of the Archbishop and the Area Bishops signified the call to the Universal Church, in which we all take our place in the Diocese.

The Archbishop spoke with gentle inspiration, leading us to a deeper understanding of the covenantal commitment with God.

As a Seminarian, it was great to meet people and priests of the Diocese and in doing so to begin to understand a little bit more of the continuing call to conversion that is at the heart of the Seminary program, the Rite of Election and, should be, at the very core of all that we do as Baptised members of the Church.

 

GERRY KEHOE