RCIA-Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
No one is born Catholic. An unbaptized person may wish to explore becoming a Catholic. Every autumn, a group of adults gather to begin that process. They meet regularly with lay leaders and a priest.
The group (known as the Catechumenate) moves in stages or steps toward Lent and the Easter Vigil when Baptism is celebrated.
The RCIA, which stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church. It includes several stages marked by study, prayer and rites at Mass. Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
It is a series of sessions exploring the Catholic Faith, in a group setting with sponsors, catechists and clergy, and is usually led by our parish priest. Candidates mark their faith journey by liturgical rites along the way in the presence of the parish community (Rite of Welcome, Rite of Election etc). For the Catechumen it is a personal journey of encounter with God.
The Journey of Faith sessions usually begin in November and continues until Easter. The non-baptised adults are received into the Church through baptism during the Easter Vigil. Baptised non-Catholics are also confirmed during the Easter Vigil.
Anyone is welcome to join this Journey without an obligation to join the Church.
Please contact Father Stephen if you are interested in this Journey in Faith.
