At this year’s Easter Vigil Mass at St Gregory’s Church, Stratford‑upon‑Avon, nine people were joyfully welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church. The candidates have been journeying together through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) programme since November.

Their reception into the Church follows the Rite of Election celebrated at the Cathedral in February, which saw large numbers of catechumens and candidates from across the Archdiocese gathered together as they continued their journey towards Easter.

Of the nine received at St Gregory’s, only one had been baptised as a child, with the others coming to the Church without any previous faith background. Their reception marked a significant and prayerful moment in the life of the parish as they completed this important stage of their faith journey.

Speaking after the Vigil, Fr Oliver Holt expressed his gratitude to all who supported the new members:

“I give heartfelt thanks to those incredibly generous parishioners who have helped them through the RCIA course and to those who are sponsoring them as they grow in their journey of faith. I’m sure that all of them will become enthusiastic and fruitful members of our parish in the years to come.”

Becoming a Catholic: Your Story

In 2026, as part of a new initiative, we are inviting those joining the Catholic Church this Easter to share a little, or a lot, of their journey so far.

"Becoming a Catholic: Your Story" is a short, optional questionnaire to find out more about why people have decided to join the Catholic Church.

You can read some of their stories below:

Become a Catholic 

St Gregory the Great Easter Vigil Photo Gallery by Jacob Batchelor

St Gregory the Great LiveStream Recording: Easter Vigil

St Gregory the Great Parish Website