St. Patrick's Parish - Fallowfield ~ Directory: Parish Organizations: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults


The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), restored as normative practice for the Church in 1972, has four elements: faith, conversion, liturgy and community. Journey of Faith: The image of journey has been used for Christian discipleship since Jesus invited his first followers to "Come, follow me" (Luke 18:22). Walking the way of the gospel, the great Biblical themes of creation, salvation, election, reconciliation, and covenant become the root bed of meaning for the life of the unbaptized candidate or catechumen. Conversion: The Rite of Acceptance, a communal rite, celebrates the newcomers acknowledging their need for conversion and the community's promise of support. In the Rite of Election, on the first Sunday of Lent, the larger diocesan community recognizes and affirms the call of God to the individual who has taken the final step towards Baptism. Liturgy: Each step of the journey is brought to the community's awareness by use of liturgical celebrations. Through the progressive celebration of the liturgical rites, the candidates learn to repent in common, to thank God in common, to enter as a community into the dying and rising of Jesus Christ and celebrate their deepening faith. The culminating liturgy is celebrated at the Easter Vigil where newcomers are baptized, confirmed and receive Eucharist. Community: It is the community which initiates. Thus, there is a challenge to the parish - are we ready to invite people to faith and accompany them along the journey? The life of the parish is itself a living witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our RCIA meets weekly from October to Easter. In these sessions, the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church are explored. Questions and discussion are encouraged and welcomed. Sponsors of those who are participating are asked to attend the weekly meetings as well. Candidates in the RCIA are baptized and/or confirmed at the Easter Vigil. Anyone who is interested in exploring this exciting invitation and becoming a full member of the Roman Catholic Church can contact our parish office for more information.
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The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), restored as normative practice for the Church in 1972, has four elements: faith, conversion, liturgy and community.

Journey of Faith: The image of journey has been used for Christian discipleship since Jesus invited his first followers to "Come, follow me" (Luke 18:22). Walking the way of the gospel, the great Biblical themes of creation, salvation, election, reconciliation, and covenant become the root bed of meaning for the life of the unbaptized candidate or catechumen.

Conversion: The Rite of Acceptance, a communal rite, celebrates the newcomers acknowledging their need for conversion and the community's promise of support. In the Rite of Election, on the first Sunday of Lent, the larger diocesan community recognizes and affirms the call of God to the individual who has taken the final step towards Baptism.

Liturgy: Each step of the journey is brought to the community's awareness by use of liturgical celebrations. Through the progressive celebration of the liturgical rites, the candidates learn to repent in common, to thank God in common, to enter as a community into the dying and rising of Jesus Christ and celebrate their deepening faith. The culminating liturgy is celebrated at the Easter Vigil where newcomers are baptized, confirmed and receive Eucharist.

Community: It is the community which initiates. Thus, there is a challenge to the parish - are we ready to invite people to faith and accompany them along the journey? The life of the parish is itself a living witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Our RCIA meets weekly from October to Easter. In these sessions, the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church are explored. Questions and discussion are encouraged and welcomed. Sponsors of those who are participating are asked to attend the weekly meetings as well.

Candidates in the RCIA are baptized and/or confirmed at the Easter Vigil.

Anyone who is interested in exploring this exciting invitation and becoming a full member of the Roman Catholic Church can contact our parish office for more information.

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