Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church? Perhaps you’ve been thinking of becoming a member of St Paul's, or perhaps you are just curious about what Catholics believe.

The RCIA is the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

In the first days of the church, most people who heard the Gospel message were adults, whether Jews or gentiles, and so usually received the three sacraments of initiation, baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, at more or less the same time. The baptism of children is noted even in the Acts of the Apostles, and though customary practice has varied through the ages, the baptism  of infants and children has continued so that it might be the foundation for other sacraments  which came to be seen, often for practical reasons, as needing further instruction. It is interesting to note that the Eastern churches, Orthodox and Catholic, continue the practice of conferring baptism, confirmation and even Eucharist at the same time.  The liturgical and sacramental reforms of the Second Vatican Council paved the way for their re-integration  for the Baptism of adults.

The RCIA programme is designed for those who wish to be baptised, or if baptised, to be received into full communion with the Catholic Church, but also for adult Catholics (anyone who has finished secondary school) who may not have been confirmed as preparation for Confirmation. It is also open to “lapsed” Catholics who may want a “refresher” course as they “come back,” or to any other Catholics, even daily Mass goers,  who also may  also want a “refresher course.”  There is no pressure put on anyone who attends to become a Catholic or to continue the course.  For those who would like to become Catholic, there are various stages, which will be explained as the course continues.  Baptism or reception into full communion traditionally takes place, if possible, at the Easter Vigil Mass.  Some sessions take place in the weeks following Baptism or reception, “to confirm in their faith the new members of Christ’s church and to see them safely on their way.”