Parish Office: 9764 4058
Email: office@stsimonsparish.com.au
RCIA is the normal way in which adults become full, active, participating members of the Catholic Church.
The goal of the process is "full communion" which means "full active participation" in the Eucharist and in the whole life of the Catholic faith community.
RCIA helps adults to grow in their relationship with God, become familiar with Catholic teachings, get acquainted with people in the community and involved in service within the community.
ALREADY BAPTISED?
Many persons who want to join the Catholic Church have already been baptised in another Christian Church.They attend the sessions but do not need to be baptised again?
FIRST STEP
- A PERIOD OF ENQUIRY
The RCIA process is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment and formation. Those who join the process are encouraged to proceed at their own pace, but, on average, the journey takes about 8-12 months of weekly or fortnightly sessions.
If the candidate wishes,this leads to the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism (if required), Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter with an ongoing attendance at Sunday Mass and observance of Catholic teachings and practices.
WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED?
Besides the RCIA Team, the entire community who participate in the Sunday Eucharist has a role to play through prayer and welcome. Overseeing it all is our Parish Priest,
Fr Mark Reynolds & Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Samuel Pearson.
WHO ARE THE SPONSORS?
The Sponsors are Catholics, known to you or appointed by St Simon's, and they walk with you on your faith journey. They are there to help, support and encourage you and to provide a tangible link between you and the community. They are companions on your journey.
If you would like to be a sponsor of a RCIA candidate or join the RCIA Team,
please contact the parish office.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults will begin with an information night at a date soon to be advised for our candidates who will prepare for Easter Sacraments in 2024.
RCIA IS FOR: Adults who are not baptised, Adults baptised in another Christian church, and non-practicing Catholics wishing to renew their faith.
Almost 1,000 gathered on Sunday, 18 February at St Patrick’s Cathedral for the annual Rite of Election. The event is a significant step for those participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) and preparing to receive the sacraments
of initiation at Easter. Together with their sponsors, godparents, fellow parishioners and families, the catechumens and candidates publicly declare their intention to join the Catholic Church.
If you would like to be part of this program next year, please contact the Parish Office on 9764 4058 or Phillip on 0437 343 022 or just come along on the night. “Come and see.”
Have you been feeling a nudge in your heart to deepen your relationship with God?
Are you searching for meaning in your life?
Do you feel restless, without direction?
Are you looking to join a Faith Community?
Do you want to know more about the Catholic Faith?
Are you a Catholic who has not been confirmed or received first communion
If you answered "YES" to any of these questions, RCIA may be the answer you are seeking. Call the Parish Office on 9764 4058
SESSION TIMES
7:30pm - 9:00pm Tuesdays at the Parish Centre from 2nd May 2023.
The RCIA Program follows the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults approved by the
Catholic Congregation for Divine Worship in 1987.
Presented by Judy Schmidt and filmed by Corey Payton
They were fully initiated into theCatholic Church here at St Simon’s Parish on Sunday,
9th April 2023 at the Dawn Easter Vigil Service with the support of our RCIA Team:
Photo that was taken on the steps of St Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, 26 Feb 2023.
This was on the occasion of the Rite of Election and our two candidates are Shaun Beatty with his family to the right of Bishop Comensoli, Erin Bradshaw to his left, and behind Erin is Janet and Rick Forster, who are sponsors for the two