A packed sanctuary for the RCIA service – spot the Archbishop!
This lovely service (known colloquially as the RCIA service) at which catechumens and candidates for full communion with the Catholic church are formally and publicly welcomed by the Archbishop took place at St Andrew’s Cathedral on 9th March. This year there were in total 100, a wonderful confirmation that the Church continues to attract people to its family, despite what the naysayers would have us believe.
The service is a great mixture of the solemnly formal – as catechumens are invited to sign their names in the Book of the Elect (or in the case of candidates, are recognised for full communion), after their sponsors confirm their readiness and the rest of the congregation present are invited to pray for them – and the warmly personal as they are supported by their sponsors, family and the rest of the Catholic community present.
The words and actions of the service are supported by suitable liturgical music and hymns led by the St Mungo Singers:- this year they included the Lenten Introit He will call to me and I shall answer¸ Psalm 90 (91), the Great Commandment and the Canticle of Ezekiel.
After the service, the welcome continued in the Eyre Hall over tea and cakes.
