Are you interested in becoming a Catholic?

At Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Randwick and St Margaret Mary’s Randwick North, we offer the RCIA process for adults who are interested in becoming Catholics or just want to know more about the Catholic faith and beliefs; or are wondering how God fits into their life?

The RCIA Team hold sessions every Sunday of the month (except for the last Sunday) where we share our faith experience, introduce, discuss and present the Catholic teachings (i.e. who is God, who Jesus is, what do Catholics believe?).

We provide a non-judgmental, non-threatening, welcoming place for people to come and ask questions about the Catholic Church. We invite you to “Come and see”...a step on your journey to understand more about the Catholic faith.

What is the RCIA?

RCIA is the acronym for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The RCIA is the process by which the adult persons are brought into membership of the Catholic Church.

It is a journey of preparation that include scripture reflection, prayer and catechesis (instruction) for adults culminating with their reception into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.

For baptised adults of another Christian faith tradition, they will come into full communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation and the Eucharist.

At OLSH & SMM, both Catechumens (those who have not yet received any of the Sacraments) and Candidates for reception into full communion with the Church (baptised Christians) go through the process together.  Sessions are run by the RCIA team with some of the input sessions conducted by the priests and other members of the faithful in the parish.

What are the Steps and timeframe?

Pre-Catechumenate Phase

  • Year-round
  • Enquirers attend sessions to find out about some of the basics of Catholic living.

Catechumenate Phase

  • September – February
  • Those who have decided to continue with the process with a possibility of receiving the Sacraments are formally welcomed with the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (for non-baptised) and the Rite of Welcome (for baptised).
  • The majority of the catechesis (instruction) is given in this phase of the process.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment

  • Lent (40 days)
  • Those wishing and ready to receive the Sacraments at Easter are formally presented at the Rite of Election in St Mary’s Cathedral.
  • These Elect now enter into a period of intense spiritual preparation as their celebration of the Sacraments approaches (which for most occurs at the Easter Vigil).

Period of Post-Baptismal Catechesis or Mystagogy

  • This period lasts for the seven weeks of Eastertide and concludes at Pentecost.
  • Post-baptismal catechesis and the growth in faith and understanding however remains a life long process for all Catholics.

RCIA Process Session Timetable - click here

For more details, please contact: Caresa Santos 0404 291 746 or caresasantos@yahoo.com.au

Link to Sydney Catechumenate Office: http://www.rcia.org.au/