New Catholics welcomed at Westminster Cathedral

Holloway parishioners at Rite of Election 2025 Image: Diocese of Westminster

Source: Archbishops House

Last Saturday, Westminster Cathedral was filled with joy as Canon Chris Vipers celebrated the Mass for New Catholics for those who entered the Church at Easter. Set against the backdrop of the largest group since 2018, this was a joyful moment in the life of the diocese.

Among the congregation was Ethan, a recent law graduate baptised at the Easter Vigil at St Mary Moorfields. He spoke of realising the irony that 'nothing puts the fear of God into you like modern law exams.' This led him to begin attending church, helping him realise that he wasn't so alone. He said: "Not only did I have our priest Fr Chris, and our congregation, but I had God, too. And I had a Guardian angel. And that's something no one can give you other than God."

This sense was echoed by Caitlin, whose journey was shaped by memories of their grandparent's faith. After attending services at Farm Street, they found "the people and the prayers and the inclusivity and the love, and especially the love of Pope Francis, just brought the full communion for me. I completely fell in love with it."

For Rose, the invitation to faith emerged during the stillness of the pandemic lockdowns. She turned to apologetics videos and was captivated by the gentle, graceful manner in which they presented Catholic teaching.

Eventually, she left her church and went straight to the local Catholic parish, St Luke's in Pinner. There she found a community waiting for her while she waited for RCIA to begin. She described the experience as 'beautiful' and said, 'I keep wondering why haven't I been so long ago because, when I started reading (the Church Fathers), I'm like, am I living under a rock? I've never heard these things before; it was just so fascinating.'

She said that this transformation even affected her at work with colleagues saying, "I don't know what happened, they say, 'Rose, can I come to church', and I say, 'Oh yes please', and they've been coming!"

This surge of interest is more than anecdotal. According to a recent report from the Bible Society, A Quiet Revival, church attendance in England and Wales has risen by 50% over the last six years. Catholics now make up 31% of churchgoers, rising from 23% in 2018. Among 18-34-year-olds that figure jumps to 41%, signalling a vibrant renewal of faith.

Demi, a student at Newman House, credits his conversion to a friend whose passionate faith stood out during their school days. Intrigued, he delved into church history and tradition:

'The experience I had when I went to Mass the first time, I think about 18 months ago, made me decide to convert immediately, so I'm very happy to be home.'

Canon Chris echoed this in his homily for the Mass, welcoming the newly baptised:

"We know we are people of hope and we stand for the truth. The truth of our revealed and apostolic faith. We know that we are one with the sisters and brothers across the whole face of this earth. And whatever Catholic Church you step into throughout the world, you are home, you belong.

"Today, thank God for the gift of your faith. Shine with that faith as a beacon to others, drawing others to him, to Jesus Christ."