At the very heart of our Christian life is the awareness that we are called by God to be members of Christ’s body.
Furthermore, Christians understand that they are chosen by Jesus to be part of the Christian community in accordance with the Gospel passage, “You did not choose me, no I chose you” (Jn 15:16).
Both these concepts had a profound resonance in yesterday evening’s Rite of Election of Catechumens and Formal Recognition of Candidates liturgy, presided over by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB at St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth.
More than 150 individuals were ‘elected’ by the Church to take another decisive step toward receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion – at this year’s Easter Vigil.
In the presence of the Church, the catechumens (those who are receiving instruction from a catechist with a view to Baptism) and candidates (those who are baptised in another Christian denomination) were invited by the Archbishop to become full members of the Catholic faith – an invitation which they proudly accepted.
The catechumens’ names were formally inscribed in the Book of Elect, while the candidates’ names were inscribed in the Book of Recognition. This signifies that they have heard God call their name and wish to respond to His call.
Catechumens Melanie Caddick and Vi Hayes and candidates John Harrison, Paul Lydiat and Angela Studman – who have been regularly meeting with Our Lady of the Mission Whitford parish RCIA coordinator Ann Cunneen – agreed to share their experience of the RCIA program with Archdiocese of Perth Communications and Media Office journalist Marco Ceccarelli.
Soon to be baptised, Vi Hayes and Melanie Caddick spoke about their ongoing association with the Catholic Church and the Catholic education system as a contributing factor to their growing desire to receive Baptism.
Head of English at Mercy College, Melanie Caddick said that since joining the Catholic education system four years ago, she has come to enjoy the Masses and services.
“I now feel like I know what I am doing and saying – I finally get it,” she said.
“I’ve never before experienced such a welcoming school/system – our school motto of Love in Action is apparent every day.”
This ongoing association with the Church also characterised Vi Hayes’ experience. After years of being in contact with the Catholic Church through her husband, children and grandchildren, Mrs Hayes said that she will now feel at home with them.
She acknowledged the Rite of Election as a significant step towards a much greater event of Baptism at this year’s Easter Vigil.
“I look forward to the fulfilment of the journey I have undertaken.”
Also present at the liturgy were candidates from the Anglican Church and other protestant Churches seeking to make the Catholic Church their spiritual home.
One of these, Paul Lydiat, longs to join his wife, four children and 12 grandchildren in the Catholic faith. He found the RCIA process to be informing, interesting and humbling.
“I am experiencing raw emotions brought on by the sacrifices and sufferings made by our Lord that I am learning about,” Mr Lydiat said.
“That this man should sacrifice himself for my spiritual being is emotional to me, to say the least. I am learning to be more loving, more humble, more understanding and less judgemental to everyone in my life. I want to make more sacrifices to help people and accept everyone for who they are,” Mr Lydiat added.
Ex-member of the Royal Navy and retired catering manager John Harrison, who was baptised in a protestant church, will also be receiving Confirmation and Holy Communion this Easter.
Mr Harrison spoke fondly of his formative experience.
“One thing that particularly had a profound effect on me was receiving the priest’s personal blessing – I experienced a very warm, emotional feeling,” he added.
Born in the United Kingdom and originally baptised in the Church of England, Angela Studman was introduced to the Catholic faith by her husband at the age of 18. Over time, her desire to become part of the Catholic Church brought her to the RCIA.
“I love the feel of the Catholic Church community. I started being invited to holy communions and baptism celebrations and realised this is how I wanted to bring my children up. I want us as a family to enjoy the journey together,” she said.
Perth Archdiocesan coordinator for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program, Karen Hart, said the Church believes that no one comes to faith without being called by God.
“God initiates, God calls, God converts,” Ms Hart said.
“This celebration recognises that God is indeed calling people into the life of the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation,” she said.
“Parishes throughout Perth involved in the ministry of the RCIA program journey with those whom Christ has called to ‘come and see’ how Catholics live, pray and worship.
“The elect, while deepening their personal relationship with Christ, within a parish community, will discern over Lent their readiness to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter, thereby becoming new members of the Catholic Church.”
When they return to their parishes, the elect will pass through the scrutinies, receive special blessings as they near the Easter Vigil, and will be presented with the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer.
This year’s Easter Vigil will take place at St Mary’s Cathedral on Easter Saturday, 4 April 2015.