Because of the numbers two ceremonies were held; one of Saturday afternoon 12 March for catechumens who live in the area of the Archdiocese of Birmingham covered by Bishop William Kenney, CP, Auxiliary Bishop, and the other on Sunday afternoon, 13 March covered by Bishop David McGough, Auxiliary Bishop.

On both days Bishop Philip Pargeter, retired Auxiliary Bishop, helped to welcome the catechumens as they came to the foot of the sanctuary to be introduced by their parish priest and their sponsors. On Sunday afternoon Mgr Canon John Moran, the Vicar General joined the Archbishop the bishops in welcoming people.

During his homily Archbishop Bernard Longley said: ‘This afternoon’s celebration, at the beginning of Lent, has our baptism into Christ’s death and resurrection at its very centre. The season of Lent is a period of final and intense preparation for catechumens who look forward to their baptism at Easter.

‘For those of us who are already baptised this Lent offers another opportunity to renew our own commitment to Christ – to enable us to appreciate and make fresh use of the grace we received through baptism, knowing that this will bear fruit for us in a new way this year.

‘For some of you today the grace of your baptism is powerfully at work, drawing you into the fullness of communion with the Catholic Church. Today you also pledge yourselves to allow the grace of your baptism to lead you through Lent to the moment when you will be confirmed and receive the Eucharist for the first time as a Catholic, united with the Successor of Peter.’