The eRecord Edition #20 - 27 February 2015

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27 February 2015

Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth

Edition #20

Rightly Elected into the Church By Marco Ceccarelli 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 EDITION #20 | 27 FEBRUARY 2015

Clockwise from top left: Angela Studman, John Harrison, Vi Hayes, Paul Lydiat and Melanie Caddick (centre) took part in yesterday evening’s Rite of Election of Catechumens and Formal Recognition of Candidates liturgy. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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.

with Archdiocese of Perth Communications and Media Office journalist Marco Ceccarelli. Soon to be baptised, Vi Hayes and Melanie Caddick

“That this man should sacrifice himself for my spiritual being is emotional to me, to say the least...” 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

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. Full Text available at

www.therecord.com.au


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