The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a gradual process of conversion that can take anywhere from a few months to several years.
People are welcomed into the Catholic Christian community and introduced to the Catholic way of life in a type of apprenticeship.
Learn what being Catholics really means and what we believe, not just by listening but by experiencing Catholic life and worship from inside the parish and ultimately convert to a new way of life in Christ.
Who can attend? Anyone, you are welcome to join an inquiry session before making any decisions.
Most inquirers are people who regularly attend Mass, and/or are involved in the faith development of their children, but often feel ‘outside’ the celebrating faith community. It happens that they have themselves been moved by a need to search for a deeper meaning in their lives, and a need to belong.
RCIA welcomes people who feel drawn to Christ. People from no particular church background, Christians from Protestant denominations, and men and women from other religions. Baptized, Catholic adults who were never confirmed and who want to be received into full communion with the Church may do so through RCIA.
RCIA is managed by Brian and Gayle Anderson
Contact them on 9520 3672
or email brian56anderson@gmail.com
PHASE 1: INQUIRY
What is the Catholic faith all about and am I called to embrace it.
Sessions include the following:
Prayer - A deepening relationship with God
The Birth of the Church
The Bible: The Word of God
Structure of the Mass
Sacraments of the Church
Season of Advent
The Inquiry stage will conclude with the Rite of Acceptance & Welcome held in the church.
Brian Anderson
Gayle Anderson
PHASE 2: CATECHUMENATE
Studying and living the Catholic Faith.
Sessions include the following:
Mary, Mother of the Church
Sacraments of Initiation
2nd Rite of Reconciliation
Ash Wed. Season of Lent begins
Rite of Election performed at St Mary's catherdral
Concludes with the Rite of Election on the first Sunday of Lent.
the catechumens' affirmation of their intention to join the Church
PHASE 3: PERIOD OF ENLIGHTENMENT
An in-depth time of conversion and preparation.
The "elect" now begin a Period of Purification and Enlightenment the final, intense preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Three scrutinies (rites of self-searching and repentance), the presentations of the Creed and Lord's Prayer take place on the next five Sundays of Lent.
Now you are ready to join the Church.
PHASE 4: CELEBRATION
Reception into full communion of the Catholic church.
The Sacraments of Initiation (celebration) is held at the Easter Vigil Mass.
PHASE 5: MYSTAGOGY
Ongoing living of our Catholic faith through parish involvement..
Those who are eligible for baptism (not previously baptised in any Christian faith) will be baptised in the font. Its good to bring a towel.
After the baptism you will then be given first Holy Communion to confirm you into the Catholic faith.
The newly baptized and confirmed members of the Church now enter a Period of Postbaptismal Catechesis, they enter more fully into the life and unity of the Church.
This period normally ends around Pentecost.
When at a particular time a person feels the need to search for God more deeply, this is God’s action and his gift to that individual.
BEING A SPONSOR
We would like to hear from parishioners interested in being a companion to someone going through the RCIA process. The role is one of friendship and support : attending the sessions, listening, answering questions, praying, and helping to connect the inquirer with the parish and above all, simply sharing the journey. Sponsors find their role to be one that enriches and deepens their own faith as well. You don’t have to have all the answers, just a willingness to share your faith.
Please contact Fr Mick, Gayle or Brian for more information.