What is RCIA?
The RCIA process is, firstly, about introducing people to a knowledge of Jesus Christ and then to the Roman Catholic Church as a way of expressing their faith. The process allows the inquirer to learn about the tenets of the Roman Catholic faith (Catechesis or instruction) while experiencing the reality of the faith through close contact with practicing Catholics.
History.
Today, the RCIA process takes its derivation from liturgy and practice in the early church. The process had developed over the centuries and, pre I 960s, the catechesis of potential ‘converts’ had become the sole responsibility of the Priest. The Second Vatican Council (Vatican Document on the Sacred Liturgy) re-introduced the process in its original form, including the liturgies that mark the inquirer’s progress toward full communion with the church.
Who is it for?
RCIA is for anyone who wants to learn about the Catholic Church and who wants to explore the possibility of becoming a catholic or returning to the faith after a long absence.
The enquirer ( Candidate) may know very little about the church; may have been baptised a Catholic but, for various reasons, been away from the Church; may be one of those who, while not a Catholic, regularly attends Mass with their Catholic family.
How does it work?
We are all on a Journey of Faith, prompted and lead by the Holy Spirit. Thus, RCIA is an interactive process which has to be tailored to the particular needs of the individual while, at the same time, ensuring that the candidate has enough information about the Church and the practice of faith to enable them to make an informed choice.
The process, in this parish, is continuous so that people can gain access at any time of the year. as the Spirit moves them. They are encouraged to attend programmed sessions regularly and to discern when they are ready to make the final step. They are told about the framework of the liturgical process, starting in September, and culminating with reception into the church at Easter experiencing the various liturgies on the way. If they take this path they become known to the wider parish community and experience at first hand it’s support and prayers.
When the team has got to know the candidate a sponsor is appointed for them, chosen from the parish community. The sponsor befriends and meets with the candidate on an informal basis and supports them at the various liturgies. The sponsor’s main role is to share their own experience of their faith with the candidate through example, informal discussion, answering questions and accompanying them to Mass and other services as agreed between the two of them.
However, some people come to enquire about the Church and then decide it is not for them; others, who know a lot about the faith already, are eager to be received within weeks or months; others attend on and off for a year or more before making their commitment;
Everyone has different needs and, together with Fr. Guy, our parish priest, we try to tailor things to suit the individual.
Fr. Jim gives support to the RCIA team, is kept informed of the process and has a private meeting with each candidate at least 3 times during the year.
How is RCIA organised?
The RCIA process has been firmly established in the parish since 1990 and three of the original team members are still committed to the process.
The RCIA co-ordinator, Paddy Gosling, leads a small team who administer the process, organise the sessions, lead sessions, and actively promote the RCIA process within the parish. A member of the team is designated each year to train’ and support the sponsors and offer guidance for them, if required, in fulfilling their important role.
The team also relies on selected members of the parish to lead sessions and to help with catering and the organisation of the various social events that take place.
A programme of sessions is drawn up every June and the team is available to meet with the candidates most weeks of the year on either a Thursday evening or after one of the weekend Masses.
Two Days of Reflection are also made available annually to the candidates and team. These usually take place on a Saturday during Advent and during Lent.
For further information contact the Parish Office