Diocesan News
The annual Rite of Election was celebrated on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at St Patrick’s Cathedral Ballarat by Bishop Paul Bird CSsR and assisted by Fr Marcello Colasante, Vicar General and Parish Priest of Wendouree, Creswick and Daylesford.
During the Rite of Election, which is 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.
Six parishes were represented with catechumens (those yet to be baptised) and five parishes were represented with candidates (those who have already been baptised but have yet to receive the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation), accompanied by their parish delegates, sponsors/godparents, family and fellow parishioners.
Catechumens were presented from the parishes of Ballarat Cathedral, Ballarat East, Daylesford, Gordon, South West Coast and Sunraysia.
Candidates were presented from the parishes of Ballarat Cathedral, Ballarat East, Daylesford, Gordon and South West Coast.
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, Alixina Mack as Reader, Dr Susan Crowe as Cantor, Helen Lee as Organist, choir members from the Cathedral Parish; Parish Delegates; Sponsors of the catechumens and candidates; and Brett Hayward (ACU Ballarat Canteen) for catering. We also acknowledge those who travelled vast distances to attend this important day for all catechumens and candidates.
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 Therese Winter, Fr Justin Driscoll & Dr Susan Crowe
