23/02/2026
On the First Sunday of Lent, the Diocese of Shrewsbury gathered at Shrewsbury Cathedral for the Rite of Election, traditionally celebrated at the beginning of this holy season of preparation.
This year’s celebration, presided over by Bishop Mark Davies, was truly remarkable:
✨ 81 Catechumens
✨ 90 Candidates
✨ 171 people in total
✨ From 31 parishes
That’s a 71% increase since 2025 (100 total) and a 108% increase since 2024 (82 total). Such was the response that an additional service had to be added to accommodate the numbers — resulting in two joy-filled celebrations.
Natalie Orefice, Director of Evangelisation and Catechesis, shared:
“It was wonderful to see so many people from many parishes come to Shrewsbury Cathedral for two joy filled Rites of Election. It was encouraging to see how many people are responding to God’s call and wanting to become members of the Catholic Church.”
We give thanks for each person responding to God’s call and for the parish communities accompanying them in faith. Please keep all our Catechumens and Candidates in your prayers as they continue their journey towards full communion this Easter.
📸 Watch this space over the week as we share more about these wonderful celebrations!