Congratulations to Shanelle and Margaret who attended the Rite of Election at Westminster Cathedral on 21 February 2026 — and rubbed shoulders with our new archbishop, Richard Moth! This year, almost 800 adults from more than 100 parishes presented themselves for election or recognition ahead of Easter, when they will receive the Sacraments of Initiation in their local communities; Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion. It was the largest Rite of Election for the Westminster Diocese in 15 years.

Shanelle and Margaret are part of this year’s Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). The programme is for those who are considering being received into the Catholic Church or for those already baptised Catholics but, for whatever reason, have not received the sacraments of the Eucharist and/or Confirmation.

The RCIA programme comprises regular sessions with Fr Antonio and a catechist, offering a range of topics about the Catholic faith. Sessions have covered such topics as the Papacy, Mary and the saints, the sacraments and moral issues. The sessions will continue until the end of March and at the Easter Vigil on 4 April, Shanelle and Margaret will receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

For more information on the RCIA, go to our RCIA page.