Becoming a Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which adults are welcomed into full membership of the Catholic Church. Whether you have never been baptised, or have been baptised in another Christian church and feel called to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, the RCIA journey is the pathway the Church offers to accompany you.
More than a course of instruction, the RCIA program is a journey of spiritual & pastoral formation. It is a journey that is undertaken together with the Parish community, who are themselves renewed and strengthened by the witness of those seeking initiation.
At Sacred Heart Cabramatta, the RCIA program is offered in both English and Vietnamese, and typically begins in mid-October each year. Those who are ready will receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the next Easter Vigil. This then concludes at Pentecost the following year. The process unfolds through four distinct periods, each marked by a significant liturgical rite.
The Four Periods of the Journey
1. Period of Enquiry (Pre-catechumenate):
Mid-October until the 1st Sunday of Advent
This initial period is a welcoming time of open exploration with no obligations or commitments. Those drawn to the Catholic faith, known as inquirers, are invited to ask questions, encounter the Gospel, and discern whether they feel called to continue the journey. It concludes with the Rite of Reception into the Order of Catechumens, celebrated publicly within the Parish community.
2. Period of the Catechumenate:
1st Sunday of Advent until the 1st Sunday of Lent
Having been received into the Order of Catechumens, the Catechumen deepens their faith through catechesis rooted in Sacred Scripture, the Tradition and teachings of the Church. This period nurtures conversion of heart and grows the candidate’s knowledge of Catholic faith, worship, and moral life.
3. Period of Purification and Enlightenment:
1st Sunday of Lent until the Easter Vigil
This stage commences with the Rite of Election, celebrated by the Archbishop at the Cathedral on the first Sunday of Lent, when catechumens formally enrol their names for the Easter Sacraments and are called the Elect. Coinciding with Lent, this more intense period is one of prayer, reflection, and spiritual preparation. The Elect participate in the Scrutinies – three rites celebrated at Sunday Mass which invite deeper self-examination and openness to God’s grace. The period reaches its glorious conclusion at the Easter Vigil, when the Elect receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, becoming fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.
4. Period of Mystagogy:
Easter onwards
The journey does not end at the Easter Vigil. The newly initiated – known as neophytes – are welcomed into the Sunday Masses of the Easter Season with open arms by the Parish community. During this final period, they reflect on the sacraments they have received, deepen their understanding of Scripture and Catholic life, and discern how they will serve Christ and participate in the Church’s mission. The RCIA journey typically completes at Pentecost where the neophytes together with the Parish community are sent forth to continue the Mission of Christ.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or beginning the RCIA journey, we warmly invite you to contact the Parish office.