Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): Becoming Catholic AND Better Catholic
Are you interested in joining the Catholic Church (never baptised as a Catholic) or becoming a better Catholic (only baptised but never received Confirmation)? Register yourself to start an RCIA! RCIA is a preparatory process in which the Church prepares adults – men and women – who are interested in strengthening their understanding of the Catholic Church and her teachings.
To get to know the Catholic faith more deeply and accurately, you are required to undergo a Catechism process once a week. And after a suitable period of formation, it culminates in the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion), which usually takes place at Easter Vigil in the following year.
The Archdiocese of Sydney does recommend about 8 months to 1.5 year of preparation for all candidates, and usually, it starts in August or September. However, there is no “formal start” in RCIA as the Holy Spirit can encourage and inspire someone to embrace Catholicism at any time. Besides, the beginning and completion of the RCIA process is strictly up to the individual. On this basis, the RCIA at St Fiacre’s Parish Leichhardt is always open.
Nevertheless, before starting the RCIA process, you must commit yourself: be ready to welcome Jesus Christ as your Savior, and be open to embracing the teachings of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. So that this commitment can be adequately maintained, you need to be actively involved in the Parish’s activities where you live. Because the RCIA takes place within the context of the parish community, so you need to walk together with other Catholics.
Finally, one of the most important things during this process is PRAYER. The courage to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and embrace the Catholic Church’s teachings is a crucial decision in your life. Therefore, ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your heart and mind during the process of this discernment. When you are ready, please do not hesitate to contact us. Welcome home…