BECOMING CATHOLIC

In John’s Gospel, Jesus invites the disciples, Philip and Nathaniel, to ‘come and see’ and in a sense that very much describes the nature of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) Programme.
 
The programme is a liturgical and catechetical programme which invites adults wishing to explore and find out more about what it means to become a full member of the Catholic Church.    Throughout the year, each week, the group comes together to explore the beliefs and practices within the Church. The aim of the meetings are, that through teaching, sharing and questioning, people are not only able to gain a greater understanding of these beliefs and practices, but that it helps to deepen their personal faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
Throughout the preparation, candidates/catechumens celebrate a number of liturgical rites. On the first Sunday of Lent, candidates/catechumens are introduced formally to the parish and in the afternoon, they attend a service in Brentwood Cathedral where they meet the Bishop and all the other people entering the Church that year. Then, at the Easter Vigil the candidates/catechumens receive the sacraments of initiation and become full members of the Church.