The Catholic Parish of
Saint John Henry Newman

 Covering most of East Leeds

Christian Initiation of Adults

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Leeds Cathedral Church of St. Anne was packed on Sunday afternoon, 5th March, with Catechumens, Candidates, their sponsors, catechists, clergy and other supporters, as The Right Reverend Bishop Marcus Stock celebrated this very impressive ceremony of enrolment and preparation for initiation to the Church at Easter.

The Bishop preached on the reading from Isaiah 43: 1-7 which includes the words, ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine’, before greeting individually each of those coming into the Church.

Hymns and psalms were beautifully led by cantors of the Cathedral whilst the procession of the elect was directed forward by Knights of St. Columba, the very organised stewards.

It was encouraging to see so many adults, of all ages, preparing to take this important, life changing step, with so many friends and other church members to support and help them. There were several members of all the three church congregations of Blessed John Henry Newman Parish there.

It never ceases to be a source of wonder that this ceremony, celebrated here in Leeds, also happens in every Cathedral all over the world, every year. It is the first time that our prospective new members realise that they are not the only ones taking this step and the family they are joining is world-wide. It is a great privilege, if a responsibility, for the sponsors and catechists who are involved. It is also important that each member of the congregation makes everyone welcome and includes all these people in their prayers.

Carol Daley

Candidates, sponsors and supporters from Blessed John Henry Newman Parish



Published Wed 19th Apr 2017 00:22:14
Last Modified on Wed 19th Apr 2017 00:24:17

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