Rite of Election 2025

The annual Rite of Election was celebrated on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at St Patrick’s Cathedral Ballarat by Bishop Paul Bird CSsR and assisted by Fr Marcello Colasante VG, Parish Priest of Wendouree, Creswick and Daylesford.

During the Rite of Election, an important step in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) journey, the candidates and catechumens are presented to the local bishop as a sign of their “election” into the Catholic community. It is at this gathering that those wishing to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation make public their intention to continue their discernment and preparation during the Season of Lent.

Five parishes were represented with catechumens (those yet to be baptised) and candidates (those who have already been baptised but have yet to receive the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation) accompanied by their sponsors/godparents, family and fellow parishioners.

Catechumens were presented from the parishes of Ballarat Cathedral, Ballarat East, Maryborough, Redan and Wendouree with apologies from Northeast Mallee and Sunraysia.

Candidates were presented from the parishes of Ballarat East, Redan and Wendouree with apologies from Sunraysia.

Following the blessing and dismissal, all present joined Bishop Paul for lunch in the Mary Glowrey Hall.

Thank you to all those involved in the success of the Rite of Election: Maria Noonan as Presenter, Dr Chris Hadwen as Reader, Dr Susan Crowe as Cantor, Geoff Martin as Organist and choir members from the St Patrick’s Cathedral Ballarat Parish; Parish Delegates; Sponsors of the catechumens and candidates; and Brett Hayward for catering.

Thanks must also go to all those involved in the preparation and co-ordination of the RCIA program in parishes.

The journey of discernment for these catechumens and candidates will culminate at the Easter Vigil where they receive the Sacraments of Initiation and are officially welcomed into the Catholic Church by the local parish community.

Photos supplied by Bernadette Lynch

Catechumens and Candidates from the Redan and Wendouree Parishes

Download a copy of the Rite of Election Booklet

Download Bishop Paul's Homily from the Rite of Election

We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -