HOME > Ministries > Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
What is the RCIA?
The RCIA is a journey, set forth by the universal Church, for adult inquirers (seekers of faith) who desire to know and follow Jesus Christ and to become a member of the Catholic Church. The Rite prepares the adult inquirers with the aim to receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
For whom is RCIA intended?
Adults who are not baptised.
Adults who were baptised in another non-Catholic Christian tradition.
Baptised adult Catholics who have not completed the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
When will the new intake for 2023/2024 commence?
Date: Sunday, 4 August 2024
Time: 2.00pm
Venue: Loyola Hall, Church of St Francis Xavier
How do I register for RCIA?
Kindly register online here.
Call or text Steven Kong at 011-1888 8080, or Vivien Lim at 012-289 8852 for further details.
How does RCIA work?
RCIA is a spiritual journey of faith. It is an exploration into the unknown that requires courage, persistence, and commitment. Rest assured, as St Augustine of Hippo puts it wonderfully, “To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement”.
RCIA is a spiritual journey of conversion and renewal of both heart and mind. We are informed, formed, and transformed through Jesus, with Jesus, and in Jesus. No one who sincerely comes to Jesus is not changed.
The RCIA journey is communal and not individual. It is a journey which is never meant to be taken alone. The formation process takes place within the context of the community itself. The inquirers pray with the community and are prayerfully supported by it; they reflect on the Catholic faith within the context of the community, and they experience what it means to be a Catholic.
What is expected of me?
A desire to learn about the Catholic faith, and a certain level of commitment is expected in attending the 2-hour weekly session. Attendance is expected at the rites that comes with the journey as well.
Ask questions. Ask any and all questions regarding your concerns about the faith.
Spend time in prayer daily and to read materials handed out at each session. The Catholic Church is very rich in her teachings and practices, and it takes a lifetime to continually conform yourself to God.
Last but not least, be open. Come with an open mind and heart. Be open and you will be surprised by God and the splendour of truth in the Catholic Church.
My schedule doesn’t permit me to attend all the sessions on a weekly basis. What shall I do?
Over the longer term you should plan to attend the most essential classes. Due to resource limitations, we can only attend to replacement classes on a case by case basis
I hear that I need a Godparent/Sponsor in order to become a Catholic. What is a Sponsor?
A Godparent/Sponsor is a baptised, confirmed, and practising Catholic, at least 16 years old, who acts as a spiritual companion and is willing to support as you in this RCIA journey, and serves as a spiritual mentor throughout your life.
If you know of someone who meets the above criteria, you can approach them to be your Godparent/Sponsor. If you don’t, the RCIA team will try to help you find a Godparent/Sponsor.
What does the Godparent/Sponsor do?
Godparent/Sponsor journey with the you by attending the weekly RCIA sessions and also the rites that come with it, and he (or she) should care for you spiritual growth. Together with your Godparent/Sponsor, you discern your readiness to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist). Godparent/Sponsor should always be there to inspire, motivate, guide, and pray for you.
Steven Kong
011 1888 8080
Chief Coordinator