On the evening of April 8, 2023, Fr Martin baptised nine catechumens and welcomed a further nine candidates into full communion with the church during the Easter Vigil after they had completed the Diocesan RCIA course.
The Easter Vigil is one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar, marking the end of the Holy Week and the beginning of the Easter season. For those who were initiated into the Church, it was a momentous occasion that will be remembered for years to come.
The evening began with the lighting of the Paschal Candle, a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the flame was passed from candle to candle throughout the cathedral, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of hope and renewal.
Next, the catechumens were baptised and anointed with the oil of Chrism. The candidates, who had already been baptised in other Christian denominations along with the newly baptised were confirmed in their faith with the anointing of Chrism in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The ceremony continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, during which the newly-initiated members received the body and blood of Christ for the first time. The joy and excitement on their faces was evident, as they were now part of a community of believers that stretches back thousands of years.
The 18 new members come from a range of backgrounds, with some being born and raised in the Catholic Church, while others are converts from other denominations and faiths. Each one has their own unique story of how they came to join the Church, but all share a common bond in their love for Christ and desire to serve Him.
RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process to introduce the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church to individuals who wish to learn more about Catholicism, including the opportunity, if they wish, to become Catholic through the Sacraments of Initiation.
RCIA is a time of teaching, formation and conversion to come to know, love and develop a relationship with God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Please feel free to contact the RCIA team by telephone or text at 077 6101 4607 or email them at rcia@downandconnor.org to find out about the next course starting later in the year.
Newly received Catholics with RCIA team and Fr Martin
