The Liturgy of the Word set before us two profound passages at the very beginning of Lent. The first reading, from Genesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7, recounted the creation of humanity and the account of the Fall. We heard how the Lord God formed man from the dust of the earth and breathed into him the breath of life, placing him in the garden in a state of harmony and grace. We also heard of temptation, disobedience and the rupture of that original friendship with God.
In contrast, the Gospel from St Matthew 4:1–11 presented Christ in the wilderness, fasting for forty days and confronted by the tempter. Where Adam yielded, Christ remained steadfast. Where humanity fell, Christ was faithful. In resisting the devil’s temptations, the Lord revealed himself as the new Adam, restoring what had been lost and opening once again the path to life.
These readings speak directly to the meaning of the Rite of Election. Lent begins with a reminder of both human weakness and divine grace. The catechumens, soon to be called the Elect, stand before the Church conscious of their need for salvation, like all of us, yet confident in Christ who conquers temptation and sin. Their journey mirrors the journey from the garden, through the wilderness, towards the promise of new life at Easter. The Rite of Election marks their decisive turning towards Christ, trusting in his victory.
Following the homily, the Rite of Election and Affirmation began with the Presentation of the Catechumens. Each catechumen was called by name. As they heard their name, they stood with their godparent beside them, a simple but deeply personal moment reflecting the Lord’s call to each disciple.
Their sponsors testified to their readiness, and the assembly gave its affirmation. The Church, gathered as one body, confirmed that these men and women had listened to the Word of God, begun to walk in faith, and were prepared to receive the sacraments of initiation.
The invitation and enrolment of names followed. One by one, the catechumens came forward with their sponsors to the Bishop’s throne. Each was greeted by Bishop Peter before writing his or her name in the Book of the Elect. This gesture signifies that their names are now inscribed among those chosen for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
Once all had signed the Book, they were no longer referred to as catechumens but as the Elect.
During the Act of Election, Bishop Peter addressed the godparents and invited them to place a hand on the shoulder of the Elect entrusted to their care. This gesture expressed both support and responsibility. The Bishop then declared the catechumens to be members of the Elect, chosen to complete their initiation at Easter.
The celebration continued with the Presentation of Candidates for Reception into Full Communion, those already baptised in other Christian traditions who are now preparing to be received into the Catholic Church.
The candidates stood and presented themselves to the Bishop. Their sponsors and the assembly affirmed their readiness. At the invitation and request for admission, the candidates came forward in parish groups and were greeted personally by Bishop Peter.
In the Act of Recognition, sponsors placed a hand on the shoulder of the candidate they accompany. This mirrored the earlier gesture with the Elect and underlined the shared journey of faith, even as the candidates’ path differs sacramentally.
The Intercessions followed, entrusting both the Elect and the candidates to God’s grace as they enter this final period of preparation. The celebration concluded with the Sign of Peace, an expression of the communion into which they are being more fully incorporated.
The large numbers gathered at St John the Baptist Cathedral were a visible and heartening sign of growth and renewal within the Diocese of East Anglia. At a time when faith can often seem fragile in wider society, the sight of so many adults freely choosing Christ and his Church speaks of hope.
As Lent unfolds, the Elect now enter a period of purification and enlightenment, sustained by the prayers of the faithful. The candidates continue their preparation for full communion. All will be welcomed at Easter, when the Church celebrates Christ’s triumph over sin and death, the same victory proclaimed in the Gospel of the First Sunday of Lent.
Please keep the Elect and candidates of our diocese in your prayers as they journey towards the joy of the Resurrection.
Photographs from the Rite of Election can be viewed here.
