Sydney’s newest Catholics have been welcomed into the Church at St Mary’s Cathedral for a special liturgy and post-Mass luncheon.
The cathedral was packed for the Sunday Solemn Mass, as it coincided with the annual archdiocesan Paschal Eucharist – Celebration for the Newly Initiated event, which served as a welcome from Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP for those recently baptised and those received into the church from other Christian traditions.
In his homily, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP spoke of St Peter’s first sermon, likening it to an “elevator pitch” in how quickly and succinctly he was able to present the truth of Christ to his listeners, and how such an approach requires full commitment and understanding.
He reflected on how these early sermons became the basis of the Mass, which for centuries has remained largely unchanged in its structure and dedication to the words and actions of Jesus over 2,000 years.
“Peter is clear, succinct, but also confronting; he doesn’t downplay the wickedness of Good Friday or the astonishment of Easter,” he said.
“To our new members of the church, you are living proof that Peter’s pitch is still compelling, that the proclamation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ still has the power to change hearts and draw people into the life of grace.”
The celebratory gathering, attended by more than 300 new Catholics and their families, as well as clergy, RCIA teams and members of the archdiocese’s Life, Marriage and Family team, followed the Mass.
Addressing attendees, the archbishop said it was a “very exciting time” to be joining the church, pointing to a worldwide resurgence in interest in the faith.
“In Sydney, we’ve broken all records now for six years in a row for the number of adults coming for baptism and reception at Easter,” he said.
He added that attendance at events such as the Corpus Christi procession had also been increasing and encouraged the newest members of the faithful to be witnesses to others.
“It’s your turn now to bring others to Christ and his church, making your words and your witness an invitation into the peace of God’s kingdom,” Archbishop Fisher said.
“Congratulations new Christians and new Catholics – welcome to the family of God.”
Life, Marriage and Family leader and Sydney Centre for Evangelisation Mission Manager Hazel Lim said the luncheon was a “gathering of celebration of our church,” allowing new members to celebrate with their families and those who helped form them in the faith.
“Our new Catholics have their hearts burning for Jesus, and we really need to support them in that love and keep encouraging them – not just deepening their faith, but helping them truly belong in the community,” she told The Catholic Weekly.
Lim also praised RCIA coordinators and supporters for their dedication in guiding candidates through their faith journey.
“The RCIA process is integral because this is when the transformation of heart happens for people, but it’s the people leading it – modelling and witnessing to them – who make that possible,” she said.
“We are so grateful for the RCIA teams and parish priests who support the new Catholics, and we hope to continue supporting them through the Life, Marriage, Family team.”
New Catholic Louis Vinciguerra, who completed the RCIA program at St Mary’s Cathedral, said he had found a strong sense of community.
“They’re lovely people there – everyone’s so full of the Holy Spirit, and everyone’s trying to be better, as we all should,” he said.
Now a daily Mass-goer, he said he values beginning each day with the Eucharist.
“How can you go wrong? The Liturgy of the Word is also beautiful, it’s daily bread. It gives you the focus you need to go on and do right in the world.”
