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Liturgical colour: white. Wednesday 4 NovemberOrdinary TimeSt. Charles Borromeo, Bishop

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Catechism classes hold every Saturday and Sunday 3:30pm

Holy Family ParishLife Camp, Abuja
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RCIA

RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, is how adults become Catholic: through Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, or by being received into full communion if already baptised.

About the sacrament

“From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages.”

The Second Vatican Council restored for the Latin Church the catechumenate for adults, made up of several distinct steps.

“Since the beginning of the Church, adult Baptism is the common practice where the proclamation of the Gospel is still new.”

The catechumenate aims to bring the conversion and faith of catechumens to maturity, within the community of the Church.

Acts 8:26-40 Philip explains the Scriptures to the Ethiopian official, who asks to be baptised.

Acts 2:37-41 At Pentecost the crowd asks Peter what they must do, and about three thousand are baptised.

Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus sends his disciples to teach and baptise all nations.

Catechism §1229 · Catechism §1232 · Catechism §1247 · Catechism §1248 · Acts 8:26-40 · Acts 2:37-41 · Matthew 28:19-20

Your steps into the Church

There is no rush. Each step is taken when you are ready.

  1. Step 1

    Make an inquiry

    Tell the parish a little about yourself. Someone will contact you about the next inquiry sessions.

    Make an inquiry →
  2. Step 2

    Come to the inquiry sessions

    Ask your questions and hear about the Catholic faith with others who are asking too. You are not asked to commit to anything.

  3. Step 3

    Learn the faith

    If you decide to go on, you are welcomed at Mass and learn the faith over the months that follow, with a sponsor beside you.

  4. Step 4

    Prepare in Lent

    The weeks before Easter are a time of prayer and final preparation.

  5. Step 5

    Receive the sacraments

    At the Easter Vigil you receive the sacraments you still need: Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.

What is needed

RCIA is for adults and older children who have never been baptised, and for baptised Christians of other churches who want to become Catholic. Catholics who were baptised but never confirmed or never received Holy Communion are welcome too.

Requirements

  • Come to the inquiry sessions. There is no commitment at this stage.
  • Attend the weekly sessions and Sunday Mass through the catechumenate.
  • Have a sponsor: a practising Catholic who will walk with you. The parish can help you find one.
  • Take part in the rites celebrated with the parish along the way.
  • If you have been married before, speak to the priest early, as this may need to be looked at before you are received.

Documents to bring

  • Baptism certificate from your church, if you were baptised in another Christian church. A valid Baptism is never repeated.
  • Birth certificate or other proof of name and date of birth.
  • Marriage certificate, if you are married.

Inquiry sessions

Come along with your questions. The inquiry sessions are an informal time to learn what Catholics believe and to meet people from the parish, with no obligation to continue.

When we meet

Make an inquiry and the parish will tell you when the next sessions begin.

Make an inquiry

The stages

  1. Inquiry: A time of questions and first steps in faith.
  2. Rite of Acceptance: You are welcomed as a catechumen and begin formal preparation.
  3. Catechumenate: Regular sessions on the faith, Scripture, prayer and Catholic life, often for a year or more.
  4. Rite of Election: On the first Sunday of Lent the bishop calls the catechumens to the sacraments.
  5. Purification and enlightenment: The Lenten season of prayer and the scrutinies.
  6. Sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion, usually at the Easter Vigil.
  7. Mystagogy: The Easter season of deepening faith and settling into parish life.

Questions people ask

I was baptised in another church. Will I be baptised again?

No. A valid Baptism is never repeated. You will be received into full communion, usually with Confirmation and First Holy Communion.

How long does it take?

Usually a year or more from the start of the catechumenate, so that you have time to learn, pray and take part in parish life. The priest may shorten it for someone already baptised.

Do I need a sponsor?

Yes. If you do not know a Catholic who could be your sponsor, the parish will help you find one.

Is it only for adults?

Children of about seven and older who have never been baptised follow a form of RCIA adapted to their age.