Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is the journey through which adults enter the Catholic Church. It is a process of prayer, study, and spiritual formation that prepares individuals to receive the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Through RCIA, participants are gradually introduced to the life of faith, the teachings of the Church, and the Christian community: “This initiation is an incorporation into Christ and into the Church, which is his Body.” (CCC 1213)
To Become A Catholic
The usual way in today’s church for an adult to become a Catholic is a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, commonly referred to as the RCIA. The RCIA is not a program to be started, and then completed sometime in the future. Rather it is a process which supports the journey that each is called to travel. It is a threefold journey of transformation:
1. The personal interior journey of a lived relationship with Christ resulting in the deep desire to choose to be a disciple.
2. The journey into the Church through reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.
3. The journey of active practice – as evidenced by receiving the sacraments, attending Mass, and participating in the life and mission of the Catholic community.
In our parish we have a group of very dedicated parishioners who meet with inquirers of all ages and persuasions – those who have never been baptised, those baptised in another Christian faith and even those who have been baptised in the Catholic Faith but who have never celebrated the other sacraments of Initiation. They offer friendship, support and encouragement through the four stages of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
Availability
This process commences in July every year and culminates in the liturgies of Easter (March-April) in the following year.
The RCIA sessions are held fortnightly, on Tuesdays, at 7:30pm at Emmaus Church, Sydenham, and go for about 45 minutes to an hour.
There are breaks in the journey that coincide with the school holidays. The sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist) are usually administered at the Easter Vigil Service, the following year.
If you or anyone you know, would like to join in this journey to share in the Sacraments of the Church (Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation) and enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, please register now.
Enquiry about the RCIA
Coming into the Catholic faith as an adult is an exciting prospect for many, though the initial inquiry may be somewhat challenging for some.
If you would prefer to be able to ask questions of a person, please use the form below to touch base with us, and we will be in touch as soon as possible.