On Sunday, 21 February at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Boniface Plymouth, alongside Catholic Cathedrals across England and Wales, many people joined Bishop Christopher and gathered in prayer to support and welcome those people preparing to join the Catholic Church.

The Rite of Election is a significant step for those who are preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. Election in our contemporary culture often signifies a contest or our choosing something or somebody. The Rite is not about the candidates choosing the Sacraments of Initiation; rather, as in the great scriptural tradition of election, it is about God's choice of the person. For Christians this is the call to embrace the mission of Jesus, the mission of God's Kingdom.

In the Diocese of Plymouth this year 130 people have come forward to join the Catholic community. 

Bishop Kieran Conry of Arundel and Brighton Diocese is Chair of the Department for Evangelisation and Catechesis and said: "The growing numbers of people coming forward to become members of the Catholic community give the lie to those who suggest that religion is gasping its last breath. On the first weekend of Lent, cathedrals across England and Wales will have seen excited, nervous and happy adults and young people looking forward to full membership of the Catholic community, and a Catholic community delighted to welcome them."

He added: "I know that for many people it might seem a daunting step to take, but I hope that anyone who does want to take the step will find a welcome among friends and the place they have been looking for."

Those who are interested in becoming a Catholic and have questions to ask are invited to contact the Catholic Enquiry Office on tel: 020 7 901 4863; email: questions [at] life4seekers [dot] co [dot] uk; website: www.life4seekers.co.uk