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A "Second Spring": Sydney Sees 20% Surge in New Catholics
Despite a February heatwave, St Mary’s Cathedral was packed to capacity for this year’s Rite of Election. Nearly 460 candidates and catechumens gathered to officially begin their journey into the Church—a record-breaking 20% increase over last year.
The Big Picture: The growth isn't just a fluke. RCIA coordinator Simon Yeak noted that in 2021, there were only 93 converts; today, that number has nearly quintupled. Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP described the boom as proof that the "Holy Spirit is alive and active" in the city.
Voices from the Pews:
The Lifelong Seeker: 78-year-old Keith Neems, a former Baptist, reminded the crowd that "you’re never too old to accept Christ."
The New Start: Solly Beheshti, a former Muslim, described the experience as feeling like a "newborn" embarking on a new life.
The Local Leader: Fr. Dan McCaughan of Sutherland sees this as a "second spring," proving that even in a secular culture, the call to faith remains powerful.
From All Walks of Life: Sydney’s Record-Breaking Journey to Faith
On 22 February, the air inside St Mary’s Cathedral was thick with more than just heat; it was charged with a sense of profound transformation. Over 1,200 people—priests, sponsors, and families—stood shoulder-to-shoulder to witness 460 individuals take their next step toward the Catholic faith.
For many, like Adelina Schneider from Enfield, the day was one of firsts. A former Muslim, she stood in awe of the cathedral’s beauty alongside her husband and daughters. For others, like Cameron Beard from Leichhardt, the day was the culmination of years of quiet reflection and the support of his local RCIA group.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP didn't mince words about the challenge of the path ahead, noting that going "against the grain" of modern culture is costly. However, Daniel Ang, Director of the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation, emphasized that this surge is about more than statistics. "This isn’t about numbers," Ang said. "It’s about grace... and a genuine spiritual hunger in our community."
Archdiocese of Sydney Reports Exponential Growth in RCIA Converts
SYDNEY — The Archdiocese of Sydney has recorded a 20% year-on-year increase in individuals seeking to enter the Catholic Church, with 460 candidates attending the annual Rite of Election at St Mary’s Cathedral.
Key Statistics:
Attendance: 1,200+ total attendees.
Growth Trend: Numbers have risen steadily for six consecutive years.
Long-term Impact: A jump from 93 converts in 2021 to 460 in the current year.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP welcomed the "vitality" of the local Church, acknowledging that the decision to join the faith often requires courage in a secular climate. Leaders within the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation attribute the "quietly extraordinary" numbers to a rising spiritual hunger across the city.
Source: https://catholicweekly.com.au/surge-to-catholicism-skyrockets-as-460-gather-for-rite-of-election/
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