What is RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process, establish for the universal Church, for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a "spiritual journey." Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. The RCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the apostles. It was the early Church's way of Christianising the pagan Roman Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.     

"In catechesis it is Christ, the Incarnate Word and Son of God, who is taught - everything else is taught with reference to Him - and it is Christ alone who teaches -anyone else teaches to the extent that he is Christ's spokesman, enabling Christ to teach with his lips." (John Paul II, On Catechesis in Our Time, 6)"

"The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only He can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity." (On Catechesis in Our Time, 5)   

The goal of the catechumenal process is to bring catechumens and candidates into communion with Christ. This goal is accomplished through the three aspects of the catechumenal process..

• Liturgy…
  Helping participants encounter God here as nowhere else.
• Catechesis…
  Helping participants understand and embrace the Deposit of Faith in its fullness.
• Pastoring…
  Helping participants move to deep conversion.

Anyone who is enquiring about the Catholic faith is warmly invited to come along to our enquiry meetings on Saturday mornings at 10.30 in the Parish Centre Coffee Lounge, or contact the Parish Office for further information: (020 8862 2160)

updated 13th May 2007