– Canon Peter
RCIA
The Church calls the journey the Order (or Rite) of Christian Initiation of Adults. In practice, it is the Church being mother: teaching the faith, forming habits of prayer, and preparing you to receive the Sacraments.
If you are reading this, God is already at work. People arrive at the door of the Church by many paths: long searching, sudden grace, a friend’s quiet witness, a love of beauty, the ache of sorrow, a restless question that refuses to sleep.
In a large parish there may be a formal course. Here, we are smaller—and that is a gift. It means we can walk with you personally. I will meet you myself; we will talk, pray, and set a pace that fits your life. No conveyor belt, no pressure, just the Church welcoming you home with patience and truth.
The Church calls the journey Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. In practice, it is the Church being mother: teaching the faith, forming habits of prayer, and preparing you to receive the Sacraments.
Your RCIA Journey
Because our parish is small, we do this one-to-one. If you already know the Christian story well, your path may be short; if you are beginning from the ground up, we will walk a little longer. The goal is the same for everyone: that you are truly ready, not merely informed but converted—joyfully resolved to follow Christ in His Church.
On first meeting. we will sketch a simple plan:
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short meetings with me (and, when helpful, a catechist)
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Sunday Mass as your weekly anchor
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a little reading or a video between meetings
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time for questions—especially the awkward ones
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prayer that is realistic for your week
You won’t be asked to pretend. If something is hard to accept, say so. The Lord prefers honesty to haste.
3 Paths
3 Common Starting Points
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Unbaptised – You are a catechumen. We will prepare you for Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion, normally at Easter or when ready.
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Baptised Christian from another tradition – You are a candidate. We will prepare you for Reception into Full Communion, Confirmation, and Holy Communion.
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Baptised Catholic who was never catechised – We will help you return to the sacraments and complete Confirmation and Holy Communion.
In each case, the shape is similar; only the steps differ.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
As long as is needed for you to be ready. Some journeys are a few months; some a year. We will not rush; we will not dawdle.
What if I’m unsure?
Then we keep meeting. The Church prefers a real “yes” later to a shaky one now.
Can I just come and see?
Yes. Come to Mass. Sit quietly. Nothing will be demanded of you without your consent.
