Becoming Catholic

Becoming Catholic as an adult requires individuals to participate in a time of formation known as the 'R.C.I.A.' (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). The R.C.I.A. is the process by which adults who wish to become Catholic are introduced to the life of the Catholic Church through catechesis and liturgy.  

People who have been thinking of becoming Catholic are encouraged to consider R.C.I.A. which encompasses adults who have not yet been baptised and wish to be, or who are converting from another Christian denomination to the Catholic faith and have already been validly baptised. The R.C.I.A. can also be suitable for adults who have been baptised Catholic but have not received any other sacraments. The initiation of new members is a gradual process. This adult journey of faith unfolds in four stages, and movement through each stage is marked by public liturgical rites and celebrations which are milestones along the way.

STAGE ONE:
A time of inquiry, an opportunity to become acquainted with life in a Catholic community and experience Sunday Mass.

STAGE TWO:
The longest part of the journey, it is a time for learning the faith by Gospel sharing, catechesis, prayer, fellowship and mission.

STAGE THREE:
Normally associated with Lent, it is a time of more intense spiritual preparation for Christian initiation at the Easter Vigil.

STAGE FOUR:
A time for reflection after your Initiation into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.
Our sessions reflect on Scripture, Church teachings, and a variety of related topics – all in preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism and/or Confirmation and Eucharist normally at Easter of that year. When an adult becomes Catholic, they receive all 3 sacraments of initiation at the same time- Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

The process at Lutwyche Parish begins in August each year where participants journey for 10 months to become a fully Initiated Catholic by Reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil. Adequate catechesis and preparation must precede these sacraments, and therefore all attendees must begin the process before September each year.