It was a joyful occasion at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh yesterday when around 150 catechumens/candidates attended the Rite of Initiation.
Archbishop Cushley told them: “We have this wonderful opportunity to conform ourselves more closely to the person of Jesus Christ through the gifts of grace we receive in the Sacraments.
“St Paul says we must work for our salvation; it’s up to us to do that until we meet the Lord and see him joyfully face to face one day.
“It is our choice to approach the Church in our wish to become part of this great family – the mystical body of Christ.
“So be encouraged, friends, and be assured of everyone’s prayers and support for you.”
The Rite of Initiation is the final stage ahead of people being received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
At the Mass on Sunday catechumens and candidates expressed their sincere and earnest desire to take full part in the Church’s sacramental life.
They were joined by their godparents and sponsors, as well as the lay catechists who have been teaching them the Catholic Faith.
Catechumens are those who will be baptised, while Candidates are those who have been baptised already (in a Christian denomination such as the Church of Scotland for example) and will come into full communion with the Catholic Church.
More images of the Rite of Initiation are on Facebook. Watch the video here.
