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If you are considering entering the Catholic Church or renewing your Catholic Faith, we are here to help you on your journey.
The decision to become Catholic is a joyful decision, but also a serious one, so the Church requires that there be significant preparation on the path to becoming Catholic. This preparation includes a number of stages and celebrations that are called the Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The RCIA journey occurs in different forms in different parishes. At St Liborius we try to accommodate the individual needs of every inquirer.
There is an annual cycle of RCIA preparation that leads up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter. At every stage the aim of the RCIA process is to provide Spiritual Guidance, Connection with the Community, and Instruction in the Faith. As we do not always have inquirers our process changes from year to year.
RCIA Stages
Pre-Inquiry
The parish offers opportunities to learn more about the faith in a way that is non-committal. There is also the opportunity to connect with the parish community.
Inquiry Stage
Those who are interested in exploring the faith further have the opportunity to enrol in RCIA and attend regular meetings.
The Catechumenate
Once someone has decided to become Catholic, they can enrol in the Catechumenate. This involves a formal declaration of the intention to receive the Sacrament of Initiation in the Catholic Church. If they have already been baptised in another denomination, they are called candidates instead of Catechumens. Candidates are received into the Catholic Church, but Baptism is not repeated. During this period the regular meetings continue as well as regular attendance at Sunday Mass.
Period of Illumination
Once the decision is made to receive the Sacraments at the coming Easter, there is the Rite of Election, usually celebrated at the Cathedral in February, where this commitment is made. The Period of Illumination follows where meetings continue, but there is a greater focus on spiritual reflection and preparation.
Reception of Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass (Saturday Night)
Period of Mystagogy
Following reception of the Sacraments there is the opportunity for a period of continuing reflection on the Faith.
RCIA and Faith Formation in 2026-27
We have not yet established dates for the RCIA process in 2026-2027. We aim to begin the per-inquiry stage in August, which will begin the process that will lead up to the opportunity to receive the Sacraments at Easter of 2027. In the meantime, you are welcome to start coming along to our Sunday Masses (although you cannot yet receive Holy Communion if you are not Catholic) and participate in other parish community events. You are also encouraged to contact Fr Stephen through the parish office who can help you with your discernment and faith journey and connection with the parish community.
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