RCIA

I’m a non-Catholic but I’ve attended Mass a few times.  I admit I’m interested in learning more about the faith. But how?

My close friend is Catholic and they are inviting me to inquire about becoming Catholic. What’s next for me?

I’m 16 years old and looking for help in becoming a Catholic. Am I too young to participate?

I was baptised Catholic, which is what I declare on my census forms, but frankly I have had little experience practicing my faith. Is it too late for me to get involved now?

I’ve been having these nagging, unshakeable queries in my mind that I can’t quite explain. Now I’m asking myself “How do I become Catholic?”

Questions are Good! Here’s a Way to Find Answers to Set Your Mind at Ease.

Every one of us are at a different pace and space in our travels towards spiritual connection. There may be different answers to different questions in the journey. But one thing is certain:  every journey needs a starting point. We, at Holy Name of Mary Parish, invite you to START HERE… Christian Initiation For Adults, more formally called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) welcomes young adults and the more mature to come and see.

• Never been baptized?  The RCIA will ready you to receive all the sacraments of Christian initiation: including  Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
• Baptized in another Christian denomination?  If you have been validly baptized in another Christian church, our Adult Faith Formation (AFF)  will prepare you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, by receiving the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist. 

A welcoming atmosphere of fraternity and hospitality are the touchstones of Holy Name of Mary’s AFF-RCIA program.  The RCIA may last several months, involving weekly classes that culminate in your reception of the Rites of Initiation at Easter time. You will develop lasting bonds of friendship, not least of which will be a profound relationship with God The Father. 

You will not travel alone.You will have a sponsor who will walk with you throughout this special, life-giving journey. This sponsor will be present with you when you go through the sacraments of initiation and support you in prayer the whole time. You can choose your sponsor or one will be provided by the Parish.

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Catechists and volunteers work together with the Pastor to provide instrction to all those interested in joining the Catholic Church. Those who are not validly baptized in a Christian tradition enroll in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). For those who are already baptized or seeking a deeper understanding of their Catholic Faith, the Team provides adult faith formation on our history, sacraments and teachings. What is most important is the development of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to empower and transform the individual to become a mature, committed and responsible Catholic Christian. 

A catechumen is new to baptism, while a candidate is already baptized but needs to complete the Catholic sacraments of initiation. Sometimes a candidate or catechumen doesn’t have a sponsor who can walk with them during and after their journey into full communion with the Catholic Faith. The Sponsor is a mature, practicing Catholic and member of the parish the Candidate or Catechumen attends.  A roster of volunteer sponsors is established for those willing to step into this important role of accompaniment.