Rite of Election

On Saturday 8th March 2025, our group made our way down to St John’s Cathedral in Portsmouth for the Rite of Election and Call to Continue Conversion. On what was the warmest weekend of the year so far, it truly was to be a beautiful day both inside the cathedral and out.

On arrival in sunny Portsmouth, the magnitude of the occasion began to sink in as we walked through the double doors of the Cathedral’s Discovery Entrance to the registration desk. Arriving in good time meant the group were then treated to breakfast together at Boswell’s Café (thanks Deacon Paul!) After saying Grace, we tucked into our English Breakfasts while Deacon Paul, Michelle Friend, Martin Wood and Jamie Chilcott reflected on the Rite of Election from years gone by, giving us valuable insight into what to expect. Before we knew it, it was time to head back over to the Cathedral for the start of the service. 

The Cathedral filled quickly with large numbers of those soon to be baptised or received into full communion. The smell and sight of incense only meant one thing – we all stood for Bishop Philip’s entrance procession and this significant occasion was officially underway. 

We heard two beautiful readings, one the story of Abraham, teaching us that no matter what the future holds, to trust in God, our loving Father. The other was the story of Andrew and his brother Simon Peter, who were both converted and whose lives would never be the same again, for they found the Messiah. 

Bishop Philip’s homily detailed how each one of us has a story to tell about our faith. He encouraged us to share our own stories with one another – whether we have encountered a major change and conversion, or have gentler stories about our upbringing, family or returning to the Catholic Church after a period away. He spoke about his own faith story and in the Liturgy we also heard the stories of two converts, Maria who was recently baptised and Paul recently received into full communion with the Church. It was incredible to hear all their unique personal stories of how they came to be members of His Holy Catholic Church.

The Catechumens (with their sponsors), followed by the Candidates (with their sponsors), went up to be presented to Bishop Philip at the altar, to receive a blessing, and the Catechumens signed the Book of Elect. It was a special moment where we felt God’s presence before us; a moment that will live forever in our memories.

As the service came to a close and the final hymn sung, large groups started to gather in the foyer. Bishop Philip kindly offered his time to chat to every group, and of course we couldn’t let the opportunity go by without getting a photo! It was a wonderful way to end an unforgettable day. 

The group from OLSD were:

Catachumens 
Luke Jupp 
Tom McCormick 

Candidate
Laura Sutcliffe 

Catechists and Sponsors
Deacon Paul Evans
Michelle Friend
Martin Wood 
Jamie Chilcott
Felicity O’Keeffe