As rays of warm, bright sunlight filtered into Sacred Heart Cathedral in Wellington on the afternoon of Sunday, March 1, it was clear the Lord was at work on the first day of autumn. But He was not at work only with the weather: it was the Rite of Election, when people preparing to become Catholic wrote their names in the Book of the Elect to join the Church.
Catechumens (people preparing to join the Church) travelled from as far as the Wairarapa for the Liturgy, which was presided over by Archbishop Paul.
In his homily, Archbishop Paul said the Rite of Election was very different than a political election. “You are being recorded as being chosen by God,” he said to the dozens of people in attendance. “It is a calling by God to come to Him.”
He added: “Each one of us, created in His image, are called to come to Him.”
Archbishop Paul also said the Rite of Election is a time to hour and rejoice, a call that goes beyond us, and for the community to celebrate.
“It’s one thing to hear the Word [of God]. It’s another thing to actually respond to it.”
Later, he said: “We’re called to become holy people.”
The Rite of Election is a Catholic ceremony (usually at the start of Lent) where people preparing to become Catholic are officially welcomed and their names are recorded as ready to join the Church at Easter. It’s basically a “you’re ready” before being baptised and fully received at Easter.
