On February 18, 40 catechumens, accompanied by their sponsors, gathered in the Cathedral Hall to meet with Archbishop Patrick O’Regan before the Rite of Election ceremony.
They came from the parishes of Aberfoyle Park / Blackwood, Brooklyn Park/Richmond, Cathedral Parish, Croydon Park, Elizabeth, Gawler, Henley Beach, Mater Christi – Seaton, Noarlunga/Seaford, Norwood, Salisbury and Tea Tree Gully.
The Archbishop greeted each catechumen and sponsor individually, chatting with them and acknowledging the commitment they were about to make.
He offered words of encouragement and guidance, and spoke of the importance of faith, reminding them that their decision to embrace Catholicism was not just a personal choice but a profound commitment to God and the Church.
Moving to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election, the catechumens took the significant step of inscribing their names in the book of the elect and declaring their intention to receive the sacraments of initiation – baptism, confirmation and Eucharist – at the Easter Vigil.