Article 1212 of the Catechism states:
The sacraments of Christian initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist – lay the foundations of every Christian life. “The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. 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.”
(Paul VI, apostolic constitution, Divinae consortium naturae)
- If you are un-baptised and are thinking about becoming a member of the Catholic Church, then have a look at the section about the RCIA Programme before speaking to the Parish Priest.
- If you are a baptised Catholic who has not completed the sacraments of initiation – Confirmation and Holy Communion, speak to the Parish Priest.
- If you belong to another Christian Church and wish to become a member of the Catholic Church, again, please contact the Parish Priest.
Baptism
What the Church teaches in the Catechism
In the parish
If you want to have a child baptised, contact the Parish Priest who will explain what has to take place in terms of preparation for the sacrament, choosing Godparents, booking a date, choosing readings and prayers etc.
Confirmation
What the Church teaches in the Catechism
In the parish
A programme is run in the parish each year to prepare young people for the sacrament. Details of the course, when and how to apply are published in the Newsletter.
Eucharist – Holy Communion
What the Church teaches in the Catechism
In the parish
Two programmes are run in the parish each year to prepare young people for the sacrament. Children attending St Gildas Junior School are prepared by the school, separate classes are run on Saturday mornings for children attending other schools whose families worship in the parish. Details of the courses, when and how to apply are published in the Newsletter.
RCIA – The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
There was a time, which many of us will remember, when a person wishing to become a Catholic was instructed by a priest. When the candidate was well prepared, he or she was eventually received into the Church. It was a rather low-key event. The Vatican Council changed this rather private practice by revising the ancient Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults.
The striking difference is that this is now very much a community-based programme, designed to meet the needs of candidates’ own personal journey in faith. It is marked by stages and a number of rites and liturgies which mark these steps. Conversion through faith-sharing is the primary goal rather than transmission of information and doctrine.
A group of inquirers meets on a weekly basis. They meet with catechists and sponsors to pray and reflect on the teaching of the Church and on the Scripture. The inquirers may be from other religious traditions or they may not yet be baptised. Their aim is to respond to a call to seek full communion with the Church.
If you are interested in knowing more about the R.C.I.A. or if you would be willing to become a sponsor, please contact the Parish Priest.