RCIA
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
… Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
RCIA is the process by which adults formally join the Catholic Church. If you are:
Not baptized, but recognize a need for spirituality in your life
Baptized into another Christian denomination, but wish to join the Catholic Church
Married to a Catholic, attend Mass but want to take the next step to become a Catholic
Baptized Catholic, but never received the Sacrament of Confirmation
Interested in learning more about the Catholic Church
The RCIA Team, the candidates and their sponsors meet over several months in preparation of the conversion to Catholicism.
All are welcome to attend an information session on Tuesday 21st July at 7.00pm. You will learn about the RCIA process and have an opportunity to meet some of the RCIA team.
Preparation classes commence in July/August 2026 (please refer bulletin for start date) at 7.00pm culminating at the Easter Vigil. The gatherings are marked by sharing, listening, learning, teaching and answering questions etc. Enriched with faith, hope and love and to know of the Almighty’s promise to us we will journey this together.
If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact our parish office on
5941 7315 or email Mary our Sacraments Co-ordinator at sacraments@stpatrickspakenham.com.au
Please complete the information below so we can get in touch with you.
The Four RCIA Stages
Stage 1: Inquiry
This is a time of inquiry, an opportunity to become acquainted with life in a Catholic community.
The ‘Rite of Acceptance’ marks the end of this period of inquiry.
Stage 2: Catechumenate
This stage is usually the longest part of the journey.
It is a time for:
- formation in faith by means of hearing and reflecting on the Scripture readings of the Sunday Eucharist and by learning about the tradition of the Church
- growth in spiritual life through personal, communal and liturgical prayer
- participation in the worship of the community
- sharing in the life and service of the local parish groups
The ‘Rite of Election’ marks the end of the Catechumenate.
Stage 3: Election
This stage normally takes place during Lent.
It is a time of retreat, a more intense spiritual preparation for Christian initiation at the Easter Vigil.
The celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil are the culmination and highlight of the Catechumenate journey.
Stage 4: Mystagogy
This stage takes place after Easter.
It is a time for reflecting on the Easter experience and preparing to participate more fully in the life and mission of the Catholic community.
Celebration of the Mystagogia Mass as a Diocese marks the formal end to the RCIA program.