Neophyte Mass celebrates those newly initiated into the Church

Bishop James Ruggieri presided at the annual Neophyte Mass on Sunday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Each year, this Mass welcomes those newly baptized or received into the Church during the Easter Vigil for what is the final period of Christian Initiation, the post-baptismal catechesis called mystagogy.

“Your presence, newly initiated, new Catholics, is really a beautiful sign of the life of the Church,” Bishop Ruggieri said in his homily.

Approximately 50 neophytes, along with their families, sponsors, and parish communities, participated. Overall, the diocese initiated about 280 new Catholics at the Easter Vigil, nearly 90 more than in 2025.

“There are reasons for hope. In our own country and in our diocese, we are seeing encouraging signs of renewed interest in the Catholic faith, including among young adults,” said Bishop Ruggieri. “That should not make us naïve, but it should make us grateful. The Holy Spirit is still at work.”

He encouraged those in attendance to consider their roles in others’ initiation.

“It is one thing to welcome people…however, it’s another thing to help them to grow.”

Caitlin Herman from St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Westbrook, was one of those recently joining the Church. Her husband was baptized and raised in the Catholic faith, and last year they felt the pull to begin attending Mass together at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Windham.

“We were greatly welcomed by everybody in the church, especially his godparents. Then I was invited to formation and started reading the Bible.”

Receiving the sacraments at the Easter Vigil came after a time of loss and sadness.

“I know God is on my side,” Herman said. “I feel like I'm still learning my relationship with Him, which I do enjoy. It’s been a great process, and I'm excited to continue.”

The Fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, is also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

“On this day, the Church prays especially for vocations to the priesthood, the diaconate, and the consecrated life,” said Bishop Ruggieri. “But it is also a day for all of us to remember that the Christian life begins with a call to holiness at baptism. The Lord, from the very beginning of our relationship with him, speaks, and we are meant to hear his voice and follow him.”