RCIA

What is RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA for short, is the process in which non-baptised adults become full members of the Catholic Church. This involves preparing to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. There is also the option for an adult who is baptised into another Christian denomination to enter full Communion with the Catholic church and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. The RCIA journey is one of great joy, especially for members of the parish, and we have been fortunate in the last number of years to have families partake in the RCIA process.

How do I start the RCIA journey and what will happen?

The beginning is often the hardest to build up the courage to speak someone in the parish about beginning this process. However, it is a pleasure and great joy for us in the parish to be able to walk this journey with someone searching. The process takes several months to prepare. Once a person has expressed interest in the RCIA process, they meet with the priest and/or catechist to see what is the best way to move forward, time-frame etc. A weekly gathering with a group (made up of priest, catechist and members of the parish community) will decide on a day and time that works for all and the sessions will begin. A book, e.g. The Irish Catechism for Adults, will be the basis for the discussions. Each week all will read a designated chapter and have a conversation about the particular chapter. The discussions can range from what was interesting, what needs clarity, personal experience of the topic, what happens in the parish relating to the topic and more. These discussion groups will run for many months as we work our way through the book.

What happens after the weekly discussions?

We aim to finish the discussions by Lent as the final stages of the RCIA process begin to kick in. On the first Sunday of Lent, the Rite of Election takes place where the RCIA candidate, along with sponsors, will go to the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin and formally enrol to be initiated at the Easter Vigil. The following Sundays of Lent contain what is known as the Scrutinies, where by a series of rituals take place at Mass with the congregation in preparation for the Easter Vigil.

The Easter Vigil

All RCIA candidates work towards being initiated at the Easter Vigil. At the vigil, the candidate will gather with their sponsor(s) and after the homily, will be called forward to begin the Rite. There will be a number of elements including the taking of baptismal promises, before the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are administered. The newly Baptised and Confirmed will then come forward with the congregation to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist. All this will be explored and practiced in the lead up to the Easter Vigil.

How to get in contact?

You can contact Fr. Frank to arrange an initial chat to discuss further. Contact details can be found at Contact Us

For more detailed information on the RCIA process, you can read about it here.

We look forward to you getting in contact with the parish to begin this wonderful journey!