If you, or someone you know, wants to find out more about what is involved in becoming
a Catholic -
Contact Canon Eddie,
or Deacon John for further details of this programme
Likewise, members of the Parish who feel they might be able to assist with the work of the RCIA Group should contact

Canon Eddie
or
Deacon John.

Easter Vigil 
Reception of the Sacraments
 

Lorna Heron

The parishioners of St. Peter's and St. Paul's
remember in prayer
Lorna Heron (St. Paul's) 
as she continues her journey 
in full
        Communion with the Church. 
 
Please remember Lorna in your daily prayers. 


Congratulations to Lorna who was received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.   
A special word of thanks to the RCIA team for their dedication in preparing
Lorna through her faith journey. 

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Introduction:

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process of gradual introduction and instruction in the content and the practice of the Catholic faith.  RCIA is for anyone who experiences a desire, however tenuous, to inform themselves about Catholic faith and practice - with a view to making an informed and conscious choice whether or not they want to receive
the Sacraments of Initiation offered by the Catholic Church (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).

RCIA:

The RCIA process was introduced to St. Peter's by Fr. Charles Cavanagh in 1988.  In keeping
with the intention of the Second Vatican Council, this replaced the earlier process of instruction in faith usually delivered on a "one-to-one" basis by a Priest or Religious.  The RCIA emphasises
the involvement of our Faith Community at all stages in the process of introducing and welcoming new members into our Faith Community.  Since 1988, our Parish RCIA team has flourished and
has become a strong group within the Parish enabling a number of people to be received into
the Church.

Who is RCIA for?             

RCIA is for - 
a)CATECHUMENS: those who have never been baptised and seek to join the community    
                             of believers;
b) CANDIDATES:   those who have been baptised in another Christian faith but are seeking 
                             to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church;
c) CANDIDATES:   those who have been baptised in the Catholic faith but who have never been
                             fully initiated through reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation
                             and Eucharist.
                                          

Others who participate in RCIA are Catholic adults who serve as catechists and sponsors for the Catechumens and Candidates.  These parishioners have a very important role in helping to nurture and introduce the Catechumens and Candidates to the Church community by providing instruction, support, example and prayer.
    
What is the time commitment for RCIA? 

The RCIA group meets once a week from September through the Easter Vigil and Pentecost.  
This is the primary time commitment but there may be other commitments depending on the requirements or progress of the individual Enquirers.  All of us have other commitments with work and family and it may not be possible to be at every meeting.  It is, however, best if you can be at most meetings because lessons build on earlier lessons.  Should an evening be missed, the team will endeavour to assist catch-up on what has been missed.   
 

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ST. MIRIN'S CATHEDRAL
 

All those newly baptised and those received into the Catholic Church from across the Diocese are invited to gather as the newest members of the Diocese to give thanks and praise to God for the wonderful gift received at Easter this year.

This occasion is very symbolic for these neophytes as it marks the end of the period of mystagogia. These newly welcomed adults (and children) have begun in earnest their journey into full membership of the Catholic Church.

As a diocesan community we have an opportunity at this significant Eucharistic celebration to join with them in praising God for their gift of faith and of showing our personal gratitude for who they are becoming as active members of the diocesan community.

Every member of every parish is invited to consider this an opportunity to show support for our newest Catholics by attending the Mass for Neophytes.

A neophyte is one who is newly baptised into the Catholic Faith or received into the Catholic Church.

This ‘title’ is given to those who have journeyed through several previous stages.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults begins with a person being recognised as an inquirer or a pre-catechumen.

After a period of discernment between the individual and those leading the process, the person is then formally welcomed into a preparation stage and becomes a catechumen.

This ‘title’ is held throughout the length of instruction and faith development.

Most often, at the beginning of the Lenten season (that is prior to the expected time of initiation or reception) the catechumen is formally welcomed into the final stage of preparation and becomes a member of the elect.

The Rite of Election (when those to be baptised) and the Penitential Service (for those already baptised) marks the climax of preparation when the elect and candidates are presented for initiation or reception into the Catholic Church.

After initiation or reception,
the new Catholic is henceforth known as a neophyte. This stage (although not often recognised) marks an ongoing journey into familiarity with and living as a Catholic.

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