On March 9, catechumens, candidates, and sponsors from across Vancouver Island gathered at St. Andrew’s Cathedral for the Rite of Election Mass—a profound milestone on their journey of faith. This sacred celebration, presided over by Bishop Gary Gordon, welcomed those preparing to fully enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
A Milestone for Catechumens and Candidates
The Rite of Election marks a significant moment in the lives of catechumens, those who have not yet been baptized. During this liturgy, they are formally declared as members of the Elect, signifying their readiness to receive the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Candidates, who have already been baptized in another Christian tradition and now seek full communion with the Catholic Church, were also present, affirming their desire to deepen their faith journey.
Bishop Gary’s Reflection on Lenten Faith
Bishop Gary warmly welcomed all who traveled to the cathedral, calling this one of the most beautiful liturgies he has the privilege of celebrating with them. In his homily, he reflected on the power of the Lenten season, emphasizing how Jesus' time in the desert reminds us that our ultimate trust must be placed in God alone.
He shared a personal moment, mentioning that sometimes he sits in the cathedral and looks up at the images of saints, wondering which one might inspire his homily that day. On this occasion, his eyes rested on Mary, the Presentation—a moment of quiet reflection leading him to seek the Blessed Mother’s guidance. He noted how little Mary speaks in the Gospels, joking that he would take a cue from her and try to keep his homily brief.
Photography by Vale Fortin (@imvalefortin)
A Powerful Declaration of Faith
The Rite of Election itself was a powerful exchange. In response to the bishop’s question—Do you wish to enter fully into the life of the Church?—the catechumens and candidates answered with a resounding “We do!” Following this proclamation of faith, each catechumen signed the Book of the Elect, solidifying their commitment to the journey ahead.
This year, 36 Catechumens (people who have never been baptized) and 16 Candidates for Full Reception (people who are already baptized in a Christian faith) were enrolled, their numbers reflecting the continued growth of the Catholic faith on Vancouver Island. Many of those gathered had never visited St. Andrew’s Cathedral before, making this experience even more special. Their presence in this sacred space connected them to the rich history of the Church and the generations of faithful who have walked this path before them.
Bishop Gary also spoke about how the true life of the Church is found in its service to others. He reminded everyone that below the Cathedral, every weekday from 8:00–10:00 am, the Soup Kitchen has been serving those in need for 43 years—a mission integrally intertwined with our faith. Similarly, at St. Peter’s in Nanaimo, the bottom floor is home to a temporary winter shelter, offering refuge to those experiencing homelessness.
Bishop Gary emphasized that all of the Church’s ministries center around care, as Jesus called us to feed the hungry, shelter the poor, and nurse the sick. This mission of love and service is at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ – and is what the question “Do you wish to enter fully into the life of the Church?” is really asking.
Pilgrims of Hope Prepare for the Easter Vigil
Before concluding, Bishop Gary personally invited everyone to the Chrism Mass on April 10 at 7:00 pm, a powerful annual liturgy where the sacred oils used in the sacraments—including the Chrism for confirming catechumens and candidates—are blessed. He also highlighted that during this Mass, priests renew their vows, reaffirming their commitment to their sacred ministry.
As the catechumens and candidates left the cathedral that day, they did so as Pilgrims of Hope, preparing to fully embrace the life of the Church through the sacraments of the Easter Vigil. Their journey continues, but this moment—marked by faith, community, and joy—will remain a cherished milestone on their path to Christ.
All are invited to join us for the Chrism Mass:
Date: April 10, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: St. Andrew’s Cathedral (740 View Street, Victoria)
Livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/zREAxTGEtG8