Rite of Election 2024
I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name (Isaiah 45:3).
The call of Jesus to people of all times and places was manifest at the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion on Saturday 17 February, as 450 people, seeking full communion with the Church, gathered at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark.
For years, the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis has played a privileged part in organising this event, together with the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s office and the diocesan music committee.
This year, saw the largest number of catechumens (those as yet unbaptised) and candidates (those looking to become Catholics but already baptised in other Christian denominations) since 2015. For well over a decade, and again in 2024, Southwark saw a higher number of catechumens than candidates - a pattern not typically experienced elsewhere in the country.
The gathered assembly were also told by Fr Marcus Holden, the Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation and Catechesis, that such growth was part of a wider trend:
“Something is happening in our time, something is happening in Southwark. For the last three years Mass attendance has gone up – last year by between 11-13%. Isn’t this amazing news! We hear so many negative things and yet what a surprising growth in faith. People say, ‘religion is dead, faith is over’ and yet here we are! ‘Viewed as dead and yet here we are alive!’ (2 Cor 6:9) as St Paul once said about the early Christians. People are realising that they need God, they need the truth, they need the sacraments, they need each other, they need Jesus. You are part of that wonderful work.”
Archbishop John Wilson, in his homily, struck a chord by emphasising the gift we are given in faith:
“We are so privileged to have the gift of faith. There are people who have it, but let it go. There are people who want it but cannot find it. But you my dear brothers and sisters, because of the openness of your heart, you have heard the Lord call your name and invite you to know His love. That for me is such a tremendous joy.”
Amid the increasing numbers, each person’s journey of faith is different and personal. To this end, the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis is encouraging catechumens (now called the Elect) and candidates to share something of what led them to this point. Indeed, anyone is encouraged to share their faith story. Clicking on the button below will lead to a simple webform to capture something of your journey in faith.