Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
What are you seeking? Feel a stirring in your heart for some time now? Seeking for an answer to questions in your heart?
Wherever you are on your quest, we welcome you. God continually calls us into a relationship with Him. This journey begins with you answering God's invitation to seek.
We warmly invite you to journey with us as we look for answers together.
What is the Catholic faith all about? Do you have to be committed to be baptised once you sign up for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)?
Perhaps you have felt a stirring in your heart for some time now. Be inspired as these newly-baptised share their faith stories, their struggles during this one-year journey and what convinced them to accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Discover who Jesus is through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:13
What is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults?
The RCIA is a period of spiritual journey, learning and reflection for adults, who are interested or shows interest in the Roman Catholic faith, and in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ.
It is open to non-Christians, and baptised Christians seeking to join the Catholic Church. It is supported by baptised Catholics who want to be a sponsor to accompany someone in their RCIA journey.
The RCIA Process
The RCIA process consists of 4 phases -
Inquiry: As an Inquirer, this is a time for you to ask questions, be introduced to Gospel values, and experience the beginnings of faith. If you feel that you are ready and would like to take the next step, this period concludes with the celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. The inquiry stage is also known as the Evangelisation and Pre-catechumenate period.
Catechumenate: As a Catechumen, this is a time for your faith to be nurtured. You will be participating in celebrations of the Word and attending sessions to learn about the Catholic faith and teachings. If you feel that you are ready and would like to take the next step towards initiation, this period concludes with the celebration of the Rite of Election/Enrollment of Names where there will usually be a diocesan-wide celebration with the bishop or his delegate as the celebrant.
Purification and Enlightenment: As an Elect, this period (usually during Lent) preceding your initiation is meant to be a time of reflection, intensely centred on conversion, marked by the celebration of the scrutinies and preparation for the rites of the Sacraments of Initiation. During this time, you are still free to make a final decision on whether you wish to be fully initiated into the church.
Post Baptismal Instruction or Mystagogy: This period allows for the deepening of sacramental life with emphasis on Gospel, Eucharist, and Mission.