Becoming Catholic
Including news from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Local parishes prepare to welcome adults who wish to become Catholic at Easter
In a joyful ceremony on Sunday, March 9th, in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Bishop Fintan welcomed those who have been preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at Easter which will lead to their becoming Catholic
Our three catechumens (people who have not been baptised Christians) were called by name and signed the Book of the Elect, signifying the next step on their faith journey. The elect (those who have signed the Book of the Elect in the presence of the bishop)were joined by many candidates who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.
As the Easter Vigil approaches, the excitement continues to build. The Rite of Election serves not only as a milestone for those preparing to receive the Easter sacraments, but also as a great sign of hope as these adults choose to become Catholic.
During the liturgy Brian Murphy played the organ beautifully accompanied by Pat Ryan and Caroline Fraher.
Candidates and Sponsors at the Cathedral
The Cathedral Family of Parishes marked a significant moment in the faith journey of four RCIA candidates during the 11:30am Mass on Sunday, January 26 in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne
During the Rite of Welcome, Eric Moura Falcao, Seán Hayes, Rebekah Johnson and Kate Walsh were called by name and warmly welcomed by Bishop Fintan. Each candidate received the Sign of the Cross, a gesture symbolising their continued path toward full initiation into the Catholic Church. In a show of solidarity and support, the congregation, along with the Cathedral Family of Parishes RCIA team and the candidates’ sponsors, pledged to pray for them and support them as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil later this year.
Please let us know in the Office for Mission and Ministry if your Parish or Family of Parishes have candidates for RCIA this year.
RCIA Cathedral “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” Pope Francis
Have you felt the first stirrings of the joy of the Gospel in your heart?
Are you curious about some aspects of Catholicism and want to know more?
The RCIA (or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the way through which non-baptised men and women become members of the Catholic Church. It is also a path for people who were baptized in another Christian denomination and now wish to become Catholic. It is a process through which people come to encounter Jesus through the liturgy and by reading and reflecting on Scripture within the faith community. Participants are accompanied by members of the local Parish or Family of Parishes who will support them by witness, guidance and prayer.
Participants will be asked to attend weekly meetings and join the faith community for Sunday Mass. Participants will also be accompanied by a sponsor, someone who is a practicing Catholic and who will walk with them on their journey.
The Easter Vigil celebrated at the Cathedral with Bishop Fintan Gavin included the initiation in to the Catholic Church of two people who have come to Cork from Brazil.Where do I start?
Irish Catholics are very familiar with how people in far away lands become Catholics as adults
This outreach has been supported by Catholic missionaries down the centuries.
But we may not be as familiar with what happens when adults who live in the diocese want to become Catholics.
The Catholic Church has a programme of preparation and support for adults who want to join the Church. It’s called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
In our diocese, it is supported by the Office for Mission and Ministry.
See detals of ongoing meetings in the attached poster.
Mission and Ministry
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