R.C.I.A

R.C.I.A. stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is, in short, the process used by the Catholic Church to bring people into our faith.

The purpose of this page is to answer some of the fundamental questions that are posed by those who wish to know more about the R.C.I.A process.

In the summer of 1990, two of our parishioners, Anne McSorley and Mary McAnaw went to Aberdeen for the National R.C.I.A Summer School. They spent many hours during the week learning all about the R.C.I.A process. In the Autumn of the next year they introduced the process in our parish.

Their first enquiry period began in September 1991 and involved several enquirers - three of whom were received into the Church the following Easter.

During this time Mary and Anne were acting as co-ordinators, catechist and word sharers but they began involving other members of the parish in these roles.

The following year in September 1992 St. Joseph's parish asked to join our R.C.I.A group so that they would learn about the process before establishing it in their own parish.

So 1992-93 saw teams from each parish working together with catechumens from both parishes and resulted in both parishes receiving 5 new adult members at the 1993 Easter Vigil.

By Autumn 1993 we were on our own again with the team growing in numbers and confidence when three of our enquirers that year were recieved into the Church at the Vigil in 1994.

Since then more than 20 people have been received at the Easter Vigil over the years.

Since its introduction in 1991 the R.C.I.A process has been a time of spiritual growth and rewards for the whole parish but particularly for those parishioners involved as sponsors and those in the team of catechist, word sharers and the hospitality group . It has been a journey in faith for all of us and one we hope to continue on.

Inquiry Sessions are informal sessions that provide opportunities for the inquirer to ask her/his questions about the Catholic faith. A team of staff and volunteers from the parish community, along with other inquirers, are ready and willing to explore these questions with you. Drop-ins are always welcome.