April 5, 2026

The Archdiocese of Sydney in Australia will welcome record numbers of catechumens and candidates who seek full communion with the Catholic Church ahead of Easter this year.

Across the archdiocese, 338 people will be baptized at the Easter Vigil, with an additional 119 to be welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church, says a press release from the archdiocese.

Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney described the large number of people joining the Catholic Church as “a profound sign of the growth and vitality” in the Church in Sydney and proof that the “Holy Spirit is alive and active.”

The numbers set a new record of catechumens and candidates and sustained the steady increase seen over the past six years.

The number of catechumens has increased by 35% in one year, while the number of candidates for full communion increased by 95%.

“That’s not just happening here in Sydney but in many parts of the world right now, as more and more people say their Yes to God,” Archbishop Fisher told the congregation on Feb. 23, at the Rite of Election, or the enrollment of the names of the candidates.

In a stunning surge of faith, the Archdiocese of Sydney is set to welcome a record-breaking 338 catechumens baptized at the Easter Vigil, alongside 119 candidates entering full communion with the Catholic Church—an explosive growth that Archbishop Anthony Fisher hails as undeniable proof the Holy Spirit is alive and kicking. With catechumens up 35% and candidates nearly doubling in a single year, this unprecedented influx marks a triumphant revival in Sydney’s Catholic community, reflecting a powerful global wave of renewed devotion and spiritual commitment heading into Easter.

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