Westminster: Gathering and Mass for new Catholics

Source: Archbishops House

More than 100 new Catholics and their guests were welcomed to Westminster Cathedral on Saturday for the Mass for New Catholics with Archbishop Richard. Many of them had previously come to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election in February as part of their journey to being baptised or received into the Catholic Church in their parishes this last Easter. Now they returned as full initiated Catholics, with family members and sponsors to celebrate Mass together with the Archbishop and staff from the Agency for Evangelisation.

Before the Mass, the Agency led a gathering with refreshments, reflection and discussion for the new Catholics in Vaughan House. Deacon Roger Carr-Jones, Marriage and Family Life Coordinator, spoke about how their RCIA journey has prepared them for a journey that will deepen through new experiences, immersion in tradition and discoveries. The group reflected on how faith grows best in community, which adds shape and flavour to their new life of faith. Deacon Roger talked also about how faith is fed, not forced, and that growth happens through simple, steady practices, which offer hospitality, break bread, and tend to the hunger that first drew us in.

The Gathering and Mass for New Catholics are part of the Agency for Evangelisation's Continuing the Journey initiative to support new adult Catholics in their first years as such. Following on from the preparation and accompaniment received in parishes, Continuing the Journey is an 'extended mystagogia', giving the new Catholics opportunities to reflect on their experience of catechesis leading up to Easter, being baptised, confirmed or received at the Easter Vigil, and their first few months as they explore their new identity as Catholics.

For more information about Continuing the Journey, please see: https://rcdow.org.uk/rcia/#continuing-the-journey

For more information about becoming a Catholic, visit: https://rcdow.org.uk/rcia/