Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

faith formation.

The RCIA is a process by which adult converts are brought into full communion with the Catholic Church. It culminates in the reception of the sacraments of Christian initiation:

  1. Baptism
  2. Confirmation
  3. The Eucharist

 

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says, these sacraments “lay the foundations of every Christian life.” (1212) The CCC goes on to say (quoting Pope Paul VI): The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.

 

In other words, receiving the sacraments of initiation makes a person a Catholic, with all the treasures of the Church available to help him or her get to heaven.

While the term RCIA is relatively new, actually, the process is very old, dating back to the origins of the Church in the time of the apostles and early Christians, after Christ ascended into heaven.

 

The current RCIA, taking place throughout the worldwide Church, bears a close resemblance to the process of catechesis (learning the faith) and tri-fold reception of the sacraments of Christian Initiation that took place for the first Christians.

 

Over the centuries, the process had fallen into disuse, but in the 1960s, the Catholic Church’s second Vatican Council restored what we now call the RCIA (CCC 1232).

Anyone taking part in the RCIA can expect to attend meetings where they will learn the fundamentals of the Catholic faith, and have the opportunity to have their own questions answered.

 

There will be some individual consultation to determine what sacraments if any they may have already received (i.e. a valid Baptism in another church).

 

Ultimately, after being prepared for the sacraments, the catechumens (those receiving Baptism in addition to the other sacraments) and candidates (those already Baptized being Confirmed) will receive their sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass, which includes a beautiful candle-lit service, a wealth of Scripture readings, and the return (after a quiet season of Lent) of singing Alleluias, joyful music and ringing of bells. The Vigil starts at sundown on Saturday night before Easter Sunday.

It is a journey made in the company of facilitators, sponsors and priests with the support of the church community. It facilitates faith discovery through teaching, sharing, prayers, communal worship, fellowship and other forms of experiential exercises.

There are generally 3 categories of people that participate in RCIA:

  1. All individuals who are not baptised and who express a desire to explore the Catholic faith,
  2. Individuals who have been baptised in another Christian denomination and who wish to explore membership into the Catholic Church.
  3. Catholics who have been baptised but who have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Holy Eucharist.

If you have been baptized in another Christian religion and are interested in becoming confirmed as a Catholic, you will make a profession of faith and receive the sacrament of Confirmation through RCIA.

A desire to learn about the Catholic faith, and a certain level of commitment is expected in attending the 2-hour weekly session. Attendance is expected at the rites that comes with the journey as well.

 

Ask questions. Ask any and all questions regarding your concerns about the faith.

 

Spend time in prayer daily and to read materials handed out at each session. The Catholic Church is very rich in her teachings and practices, and it takes a lifetime to continually conform yourself to God.

 

Last but not least, be open. Come with an open mind and heart. Be open and you will be surprised by God and the splendour of truth in the Catholic Church.

We meet 1 ½ hour each week and the whole journey lasts approximately 11 months, with Baptism at Easter Vigil.

Over the longer term you should plan to attend the most essential classes. Due to resource limitations, we can only attend to replacement classes on a case by case basis

No, just come as you are. It is Free of Charge.

A Godparent/Sponsor is a baptised, confirmed, and practising Catholic, at least 16 years old, who acts as a spiritual companion and is willing to support as you in this RCIA journey, and serves as a spiritual mentor throughout your life.

 

If you know of someone who meets the above criteria, you can approach them to be your Godparent/Sponsor. If you don’t, the RCIA team will try to help you find a Godparent/ Sponsor

Godparent/Sponsor journey with the you by attending the weekly RCIA sessions and also the rites that come with it, and he (or she) should care for you spiritual growth.

 

Together with your Godparent/Sponsor, you discern your readiness to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist).

 

Godparent/Sponsor should always be there to inspire, motivate, guide, and pray for you.

There is no obligation for participants to become members of the Catholic Church. Anyone seeking information about the Catholic faith is welcome to attend our sessions.

"The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life.

Catechism of the Catholic Church #1212

English Group

Elizabeth

Chinese Group

Vincent

Tamil Group

Adelime Rose Selvanathan

Bahasa Group

Lyena

Church of the Holy Name of Mary is a Roman Catholic Church situated at Permatang Tinggi. Our mission is to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God to everyone. 

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