R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)


R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a process for welcoming new members into the Roman Catholic Church

R.C.I.A is for...

  • Those who are not baptised
  • Those who are baptised in another Christian tradtion and who wish Full Initiation into the Catholic Church
  • Baptized Catholics who never had the opportunity to receive Holy Communion and Confirmation

Those who seek to join the Catholic Church become members of the Catechumenate: an ongoing process that meets people where they are on their faith journey and gently initiates them into the life of the parish and the Catholic Church.

Weekly Meetings take place over two terms to share and learn about Catholic Christianity.  Some liturgical celebrations at Sunday Masses take place to mark stages in the candidates faith journey

For further information contact us.

This year...

This year (2009/2010), 14 joined the group, meeting weekly with a team of six catechists, from September 2009 to May 2010 in order to learn, share faith and pray together in the process of preparing for the Easter Sacraments. Take a look at the pictures opposite!

Across the three parishes, 6 adults were baptized, 3 received into full communion, and these, together with 5 adult Catholics, were confirmed.

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of becoming a Catholic, are an adult Catholic seeking confirmation, or even just want to learn more about what Catholics believe, please contact us, details below.

A new group will be starting to meet in September.  You will find a warm welcome and a gentle approach.

Previous years’ participants have said that the RCIA was

  • Inspiring and thought-provoking
  • Well explained and presented
  • Good to meet informally in a home

And

  • It gave me a thorough understanding of the Catholic faith
  • I was touched by the warmth and support
  • It was good to be able to talk about spiritual things
  • It introduced me to reading the Gospels

Contact details: admin@stjo-guildford.co.uk
St Joseph’s Church: 01483 562704
St Mary’s Church, Rydes Hill: 01483 573279
St Pius X Church, Merrow: 01483 572605