What is RCIA?
The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a welcoming, step-by-step journey for adults who want to learn about the Catholic faith and consider becoming part of the Church. It’s not a commitment to become a Catholic right away. It’s simply a supportive space to explore, ask questions and grow at your own pace.
If you are at all interested, then contact Veronica McDonnell (RCIA Co-ordinator) or Fr Tony via the parish office CONTACT US . They’ll be delighted to have a chat, explain the process and see how we can support you in your current situation.
The parish is fortunate to have a team of catechists supporting the RCIA process, they include:- Peter McDonnell, Clare Mills, Emma Dawson, Elizabeth Dawson, Lorna Grimes, Tommie Grimes, Queeneth Osasenaga Nowamagbe and Kenny Lawler. If you join the RCIA they’ll soon be familiar and friendly faces!
People who do decide to join the Catholic faith are helped to prepare for baptism, confirmation and holy communion. If you’re already baptised in another Christian tradition, it also helps you prepare to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.
WHO IS IT FOR?
All are welcome, whatever your story or level of knowledge. The RCIA is particularly for anyone who:
- is curious about the Catholic faith
- has little or no religious background
- was baptised in another Christian church and is thinking about becoming a Catholic
- was baptised a Catholic but didn’t receive the further sacraments of Holy Communion and confirmation.
ANDREW’S STORY (33yrs)
Honestly I had no idea what RCIA was until I was already in it and sat down in the first gathering. my inclusion into RCIA was incredibly swift, and timed to perfection in a way that reveals God’s presence in me.
Click HERE to continue reading …
After getting deeper into the Catholic faith I come to understand that there is a definition for how I had always intrepreted God in life since I was a child and that is Providence. Providence got me into RCIA. As I was leaving my apartment to head to the first RCIA meeting and not having a clue what it was I was about to get into, there was an internal dialogue questioning what I was doing. thankfully I can ignore that voice especially when I feel like there is something working in the background (Providence).
From the very first meeting and every meeting thereafter, I’m still so positively affected by the people that are involved in the meetings, whether it’s volunteers or the catechumens themselves. the openess, empathy, quietness of minds, friendliness, willingness to engage in in difficult conversations and doing so with great objectivity. I wanted to bring God to the forefront of my life to provide a balance and stability to my mind in a word where current events can make you lose your marbles. But seeing the RCIA navigate and look after each other is incredibly heartwarming. Getting together weekly at mass provides me with that balance, reflection and community that for some unexplainable reason just feels right. Feels natural. Feels like both the end of my weeks and the start of another, all in one.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE JOURNEY?
The process is adapted to the needs of the group in any particular year, but underpinning principles include:-
- Regular weekly meetings – starting in the autumn through to Eastertide. During these meetings you’ll explore scripture, prayer and Catholic life.
- Time for questions – you can ask anything; there are no “wrong” questions.
- Support from the community – you’ll meet others on a similar path , as well as parishioners who accompany you as catechists and sponsors through to the prayers and community welcome of the wider parish.
- Special services in church – meaningful steps to mark your progress
- Celebration of the sacraments – for those who choose, this normally happens at the Easter Vigil Mass.
- On going invitations to join in with parish life following Pentecost.
NATASHA’S STORY (27yrs)
Coming from a non-religious family and not having been baptised, I have often felt quite alone in this journey. Sharing this experience with friends and finding my way to the RCIA, has given me another place where I feel genuinely accepted, supported and a real sense of belonging.
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The RCIA has become a really special part of my week. From the beginning everyone has been so welcoming and kind, and it’s felt like a safe and comforting space to come to each week.
Veronica and Peter and all of the team have been incredibly kind, patient and welcoming throughout this process. Their guidance has made learning about the faith feel natural and encouraging and I’m already looking forward to what next year will bring as I continue with the catechumen.
I am naturally someone who worries and doubts myself, yet throughout this journey I have felt an unexpected and unwavering sense of certainty. Becoming closer to Christ has felt not only profoundly moving, but also strangely natural, as though I am stepping into something I was always meant for
Alongside Mass, RCIA has become the highlight of my week, and I look forward with joy to continuing this journey, growing in faith and deepening my understanding.
The Parish RCIA group with their sponsors and supporters at the Rite of Election Service at the Cathedral on 22/02/26. There were 110 Catechumens and similar numbers of Candidates looking to receive/complete the sacraments of Christian initiation at Easter across the archdiocese. A wonderful sign of hope of the Holy Spirit at work in our world.
Not ready to join the RCIA, but Got questions about faith or God? ….
Check out “the ASKing time” in church, Wednesdays at 7-30pm, with Fr Tony. An opportunity for non-Catholics who would like to learn more and ask questions about faith. Everyone welcome … what do you want to know?
ALSO …. For adult non practicing Catholics interested in returning to the Church ….
Saturday – 5-00pm – 6-00pm in Church. An opportunity for Counsel & Confession. Private & confidential, 1:2:1 with Fr Tony….talk, ask, or sort out any spiritual worries
The Mass
Central to adults sharing in the Faith is participation in the Mass. here is an example of the content that enquirers receive.