Sunday 22 February 2026 at St Chad’s Cathedral, Birmingham

Nearly 800 people gathered on the First Sunday of Lent for this year’s Rite of Election at St Chad’s Cathedral, one of the largest attendances in recent memory. With the cathedral at capacity, many families, sponsors, and parish communities joined the celebration from the Grimshaw Room, where the liturgy was live-streamed and accompanied by Bishop Tim Menezes.

The annual Rite of Election marks an important moment for those who will enter the Catholic Church at Easter. It is the occasion when Catechumens (those preparing for Baptism) and Candidates (those preparing to be received into full communion) are formally presented to the Archbishop and the Bishops. This year, approximately 304 Catechumens and Candidates, along with their guests and supporters, represented a wide range of parishes across the Archdiocese. A large number of children aged 10–12 were also among this year’s group, reflecting the diverse faith journeys taking place within parish communities.

Archbishop Bernard Longley warmly welcomed those gathered in the cathedral and the Grimshaw Room, expressing his joy at the “very happy problem” of needing additional space due to the sheer number of people taking part in the celebration.

Addressing the Catechumens and Candidates in his homily, the Archbishop reflected on the importance of this moment in their spiritual journey:

“You have now reached a very significant moment on your journey of faith… You are ready to make a solemn commitment to continue walking along the pathway of faith that the Lord has chosen for you.”

He spoke about the months of discernment that have prepared them for this step, acknowledging the many influences: people, experiences, and quiet moments of reflection that have led them to Christ. He described the shared journey as a “pilgrimage”, supported by sponsors, catechists, deacons, priests, and families who have walked with them.

The Archbishop also notes that, like all pilgrimages, the path is marked by challenges as well as moments of peace, but encouraged those present to remain steadfast as they enter the final period before receiving the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at Easter.

Becoming the Elect

During the liturgy, Catechumens and Candidates were called forward with their sponsors for the traditional elements of the Rite, which are:

• Presentation of the Candidates
• Affirmation by Sponsors
• Affirmation by the Assembly
• Invitation and Enrolment of Names

This formal recognition by the Church reflects God’s own election, as the Archbishop reminded those present:

“You have now become the elect because the acceptance made by the Church is founded on the election by God in whose name the Church acts.”

He encouraged them to mark this day in their hearts with joy, as their focus during Lent turns ever more deeply toward the Paschal mystery and the hope of Easter.

A Message for Lent

Drawing on the season’s readings, the Archbishop spoke about God’s desire for friendship with humanity, the example of Christ’s steadfastness in the wilderness, and the call to greater attentiveness during Lent. He also shared Pope Francis’ encouragement to embrace penance, charity, and a spirit of gentle speech:

“Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome… and be ready to contribute to the building of a civilisation of love.”

He thanked the Catechumens and Candidates for their commitment, adding:

“Your enthusiasm refreshes the faith of your fellow parishioners… Through your witness, may others be drawn towards the Lord to make their own journey of faith with you.”

Following the liturgy, parish priests, Catechumens, Candidates, and sponsors met with Archbishop Bernard, Bishop David Evans and Bishop Tim Menezes.

A Growing Community of Faith

The Rite of Election provides only a partial glimpse of the picture across the Archdiocese, representing around a quarter to a third of parishes, and it is a powerful sign of growth, renewal, and hope.

Recent years have seen steady increases in the number of adults preparing for Baptism and full communion at Easter attending the cathedral service:

• 2026: approx. 304 Catechumens and Candidates, representing 55 parishes
• 2025: just over 200, representing around 50 parishes
• 2024: nearly 130 from 31 parishes
• 2023: over 100 from almost 40 parishes

We hold the Elect in our prayers as they prepare to enter fully into the sacramental life of the Church this Easter.