RCIA Background

The RCIA programme is the ancient process of Christian Initiation designed for adults who consciously and freely seek the living God and wish to enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. This process is especially designed for persons who think they would like to be in full communion with the Catholic Tradition.

The RCIA programme is for Catechumens - adults who have never been baptised; and Candidates - adults who have received Christian baptism and who now wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. It is for men and women of every culture, language and nation.

RCIA is also for the Catholic people of the parish. RCIA needs the support of the Catholic community as helpers, sponsors and assistant catechists. RCIA needs members of the parish because the proper context for Catechumens and Candidates to explore the Catholic Faith is within a Catholic community. Catholics benefit immensely from the programme.

If you wish to discuss becoming a Catholic at any time please contact one of our Pastoral Team through the parish office phone (04) 473-8074.

The RCIA Programme at St Marys

At St Mary of the Angels, the RCIA programme begins with two Enquiry Meetings (usually in August each year) for those who are interested in learning about the Catholic Faith and who are considering the possibility of becoming a Catholic. The Enquiry Meetings are an opportunity to ask questions and decide whether or not you want to participate in the programme.

The RCIA programme itself begins in September with a weekly, one-and-a-half hour meeting. Meetings go through until December and resume after Christmas. The format of meetings consists of prayer, instruction, reflection and discussion. The season of Lent is a special time of focus for those Catechumens and Candidates who choose to become Catholics. Their decision is sealed on Easter Saturday night when the Catechumens receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation & Holy Eucharist, and the Candidates are received formally into the Catholic Church with the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. The season of Eastertide is a special time for further instruction, consolidation and support for the new Catholics.

The RCIA Programme for 2010 - 2011

Thsi programme will commence in August. If you would like to be part of this programme please contact the Parish Priest

The Catholic Enquiry Centre

The mission of the Catholic Enquiry Centre is to promote knowledge of the beliefs and practices of our Catholic Faith in New Zealand.

For more information please phone the Catholic Enquiry Centre: (04) 385-8518.

We serve:

• People searching for faith:
  • Who were once Catholics
  • Who have no religious background
  • Who came from another religious tradition
• Catholics who want to become more active in their Church, or who want to share their faith.
• People who want to find out about the Catholic Church in general.