Produced by
Chris Sunstream
Tel: (01698) 746207

HOW DO I BECOME A CATHOLIC?

The process by which adults become members of the Catholic Church is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This applies to both to adults who have not been baptised and adults who have been baptised in another Christian faith.

The RCIA programme usually lasts for about one year and includes discussions, instruction in Catholic teaching, beliefs and practices, prayer and scripture reading. The programme usually starts in August or September and proceeds till March. Each of the meetings lasts about 90 minutes and concludes with tea and coffee.

What takes place during the programme?

The first few weeks of the programme is called the pre-Catechumenate. During this period, you participate in discussions with the parish RCIA team, usually made up of about 6 parishioners, who will be with you throughout the programme, to support you and help you along. Discussions centre on our relationship with God, our journey of faith and our response to God's call.

After this comes the period known as the Catechumenate which lasts about 16 weeks which provides instruction on a wide range of issues of Catholic teaching, beliefs and practices. Parishioners who will have prepared discussions on particular issues provide this instruction.

At the close of the Catechumenate you will be invited to a rite in Motherwell Cathedral, called the Rite of Election, where catechumens and candidates from throughout the Diocese are invited to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil.

After you have entered the Church at Easter, there is a shorter period called the Mystagogy when you reflect on the responsibilities which being a Catholic places on you.

This all sounds a bit complicated. Is a lot expected of me?

Not at all. Every effort is made to ensure that the discussions are light and enjoyable. You do not have to become involved in the discussion but our experience with RCIA over the past few years has shown that discussion can be very lively and everyone gets involved.

The important thing is that a candidate is sufficiently prepared to take on the responsibilities, spiritually as well as practically, of being a Catholic. A parishioner will also be appointed to act as a sponsor for you during the programme and to help you become acquainted with all aspects of parish life. Your sponsor could be a friend of yours who lives in the Parish or perhaps your husband or wife if you are married to a practising Catholic.

If I am interested, what should I do?

You should contact Father Grant (01698 843165)

or

Sister Margaret (01698 844992) to arrange to meet.