RCIA

RCIA is how an adult becomes Catholic. It stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

You can come along with no commitment and learn more about the faith with a group of like-minded participants.

Who it’s for

• You’ve never been baptised, and you’re thinking about becoming Christian.
• You were baptised in another Christian tradition and you’re thinking about becoming Catholic.
• You were baptised Catholic as a child but never made your Confirmation or First Communion.
• You’re curious about the faith and would like a structured introduction.

What happens

We run one group a year. It starts in October, runs for about twenty weeks, and finishes at Easter for the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.

Sessions start at 7:00pm and are held in person. There’s tea and some snacks, an opening prayer, a chance to raise anything from the week before, then a half-hour video, and about half an hour talking it over. We finish with a closing prayer.

The purpose is not just to teach you the Catechism, it’s to connect and journey together in your new life.

What we cover

We follow Symbolon: The Faith of the Church, a video series presented by Formed. The sessions run for around 20 weeks.

• The first part covers The Creed, or what Catholics believe.
• The second part covers the Sacraments, and how to live the faith day by day.

Sponsors

Everyone going through RCIA has a sponsor — a Catholic who will help you to navigate the faith and support you. If you don’t know anyone suitable, we’ll help you find someone.

Easter

The year builds towards the Easter Vigil, where those who aren’t yet baptised are baptised, those coming from another tradition are received into the Church, and everyone is confirmed and receives Communion for the first time.

Along the way there are a few shorter ceremonies at Sunday Mass, so the parish gets to know who you are and can pray for you.

Not ready?

Try Alpha first. It’s shorter, it’s a conversation over a meal rather than a course, and it’s a good way to see whether you want to go further.

Getting in touch

Have a chat with Father Alex after Mass, or contact the Parish Office — (03) 9412 8499 or foresthill@cam.org.au, Wednesday to Friday, 10:00am – 2:00pm.