Becoming a Catholic at St Cecilia's

Begin your path to full communion with the Catholic Church at St. Cecilia's Parish.

Embarking on the Journey to Become Catholic

Embarking on the path to become Catholic is a transformative and life-changing experience. It involves much more than attending educational classes; it's a process of deep reflection, discernment, and spiritual formation.

God grants each of us the grace to seek love, truth, and meaning. As the initiator and giver of all faith, He inspires and guides us on our journey. Throughout the initiation process into the Catholic Church, the community of believers accompanies those seeking full communion, offering support, guidance, and helping them hear God's call in their lives.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a program designed to educate adults interested in becoming Catholic. It's also a wonderful opportunity for Catholics to deepen their understanding of their faith at an adult level.

Have you been thinking about becoming a Catholic or have questions about the faith? Do you want to learn more about your beliefs? Would you like to invite a friend or relative to consider joining the Catholic Church? If so, please contact the parish office.

RCIA is open to any adult who is not baptised, anyone baptised in another Christian tradition, or any baptised Catholic who has not received their First Communion and/or First Penance. RCIA prepares these individuals for full communion with the Catholic Church.

You are invited to discover what RCIA means and learn how to become a member of the Catholic Church.

If You Are Unbaptised and Interested in Becoming Catholic

For those who are unbaptised and feel called to join the Catholic Church, the RCIA offers a welcoming path for your spiritual journey. Revitalised by the Second Vatican Council, the RCIA process aligns with the stages of personal faith development and conversion. It also fosters the deeper transformation of the Catholic community that accompanies you, sharing and participating in the same spiritual journey. Through prayer and attentive listening, those seeking initiation enter into the RCIA with our parish community at St Cecilia's to hear and follow God's voice.

For the unbaptised, this journey may lead to the waters of new life in Baptism, the sealing of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, and receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

Every person's journey is unique, and the RCIA process honours this individuality, reflecting it in its rituals. St Cecilia's Parish is the starting point for beginning this exciting chapter in your faith journey.

If You Were Baptised in Another Christian Tradition

If you were baptised with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, you are a Christian! Depending on your background and circumstances, your formation and discernment process at St Cecilia's will prepare you for a profession of faith, the Sacrament of Confirmation, and reception of the Holy Eucharist. When you contact our parish, share your personal experiences of church and faith. This will help us determine your next steps towards full initiation.

If You Were Baptised Catholic and Seek Full Initiation

If you were baptised into the Catholic Church, you are a Catholic! Many people find themselves seeking full initiation. Perhaps you were raised Catholic but missed the Sacrament of Confirmation. Maybe you were baptised Catholic but were not raised in the faith. You might not have attended Mass regularly, participated in faith formation, or been prepared for First Communion or Confirmation. When you reach out to St Cecilia's Parish, share your personal experiences of church and faith. This will help us determine your next steps towards full initiation, ensuring the path you follow is tailored to support you on your journey.

Your journey of faith is important to us at St Cecilia's. We invite you to take the next step and discover the fulfilment that comes with deepening your relationship with God and the Church.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about the RCIA process and joining the Catholic Church at St Cecilia's.