The R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a set of rites, or ceremonies, designed to introduce and prepare non baptised adults into becoming full members of the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation, namely, Baptism, (or Reception if already Baptised), Confirmation and Holy Eucharist (The Body and Blood of Christ).

It is also for baptised Christians of other churches who take a similar, but unique path through the rites where they will be Received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church.

Baptised Adult Catholics seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation, and possibly the Holy Eucharist if not already received, can also join this programme. It can also be a good experience for full members of the Catholic Church who may not have practised their faith for a number of years, or for those who wish to more fully understand and deepen their faith.

The R.C.I.A. Programme runs from October to Easter.

There are special services and events that take place during the programme. One of these services is the 'Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion' which takes place at St. George's Cathedral, Southwark.

At this unique service those seeking acceptance into the Catholic Church through the R.C.I.A. Programme, come together from all over the Archdiocese to make a public declaration of their desire to join into Full Communion with the Catholic Church generally at the next Easter Vigil Mass.

There will also be some local events at Our Lady of Sorrows. One of these is the 'Sending Forth to the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion' Here the Catechumens and Candidates are called by name and presented to the parish, who give their affirmation for them to go forward to the Cathedral the following week.

Catechumens and Candidates will also participate in the 'Scrutinities' which will take place at Our Lady of Sorrows on the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent. The 'Scrutinies' will help to strengthen and prepare spiritually those seeking the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation).

There is no set requirement to join the course. Everyone is welcome. If you like you can bring someone with you for moral support. Each person is unique and will move through the programme at their own pace. An open mind to discuss and communicate is all that you need.

At the beginning of the programme, each person will have a meeting with the Parish Priest to discuss their own personal journey and to put a plan into place for any issues that may arise with them coming into Full Communion with the Catholic Church.

Near the end of the programme, a test will be administered to ascertain each persons acceptance of what they have learnt and to check their readiness to come into Full Communion with the Catholic Church.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Course

The Programme for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) course is intended for adults who wish to receive any of the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation and for Christians baptised in another denomination who would like to become Catholic.  If you fall into either of these categories please speak with the Parish Priest.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS COURSE 2023 -2024

THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A CATHOLIC? or wanting to explore your Catholics faith further? 

Our Evangelium course will start in November 2023. The programme will consist of weekly sessions running until Easter, including vital dates during Lent. 

Evangelium is for adults who have not been Baptised and for Christians of other denominations who want to be Received into the Catholic Church. 

Please email the Parish Office with your details (name, contact details and current denomination or religion) to register for this next programme: kingston@rcaos.org.uk and we will email you back

It can also be a good experience for full members of the Catholic Church who may not have practised their faith for a number of years, or for those who wish to more fully understand and deepen their faith. Everyone is welcome along!