.jpeg)
A Church ready for converts
In 2026, 171 adults from 31 parishes were elected by Bishop Mark at Shrewsbury Cathedral for Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion at Easter. In 2025 the figure was 100. In 2024 it was 82. The numbers have almost doubled in three years. For the first time, the Cathedral had to hold two Rites of Election back to back because we could not fit everyone in.
If you are interested in becoming Catholic, you are not alone, and you do not need to have all the answers. The Church wants to welcome you. Speak to a parish priest, sign up for OCIA, and walk a year with people who are doing the same.
"Saint John Henry Newman spoke of “a Church ready for converts.” Seeing so many today, often coming from no religious background to find the faith of the Church, I recalled these words of Cardinal Newman. We must now be ready to support new converts who are seeking Christ and His Church amid all the confusions of our time."
One. Holy. Catholic. And Apostolic.
If you are interested in becoming Catholic, you are not alone, and you do not need to have all the answers. The Church wants to welcome you. Speak to a parish priest, sign up for OCIA, and walk a year with people who are doing the same.
One Lord, one faith, one Baptism. The Catholic Church is the visible communion of all who profess the faith of the Apostles, share the sacraments, and are united with the Successor of Saint Peter.
Made holy by Christ, despite the sins of her members. The Eucharist is the source and summit of that holiness. The saints are its proof.
Universal. For everyone, in every place, in every age. The same faith taught in Cheshire today as in first-century Jerusalem.
Founded by Christ on the Apostles. Bishop Mark stands in unbroken succession from them. The faith you receive is the faith of the Apostles.
How OCIA works
OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults, is the Church’s path for adults coming into full communion. Most parishes run a small group through the year. You will read scripture, learn the basics of the faith, ask the questions you have always wanted to ask, and meet others on the same road.
The first step is the simplest. Find your local parish, say hello after Mass, and ask to begin OCIA.
Most groups meet once a week from autumn to Easter, in person at the parish. Some meet one to one. Both work.
On the First Sunday of Lent, the Bishop calls all candidates by name at the Rite of Election in Shrewsbury Cathedral. From that moment you are one of the Elect.
At the Easter Vigil in your parish, you are baptised if not already, confirmed, and receive Holy Communion for the first time.
Speak to someone
If you are not sure who to speak to, contact Natalie Orefice, the diocesan liaison for OCIA and the Rite of Election. She will point you to the parish closest to you.
