Thinking about becoming a Catholic?

Whether you’ve never been to church before, were baptised as a child, already attend Mass, or are simply curious about the Catholic faith, we’d love to meet you.
 

Each year our parish accompanies adults who are exploring the Catholic faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

RCIA is much more than a course. It is a journey of faith, prayer and discovery, where together we explore who Jesus Christ is, what the Catholic Church believes, and what it means to follow Him.
 

There is no pressure to become Catholic simply because you enquire. Many people begin by asking questions and taking time to discover more about the faith.
 

If you feel God may be drawing you closer to Him, we would be delighted to walk alongside you.
 

What is RCIA?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the ordinary way adults prepare to receive the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist—and to enter fully into the life of the Catholic Church.
 

At its heart, RCIA is a journey of conversion. Through prayer, Sacred Scripture, the Church’s teaching, participation in the liturgy and the support of the parish community, participants gradually grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and discover the richness of the Catholic faith.
 

This journey reflects the Church’s ancient tradition of recognising that faith develops over time. It is not simply about learning information, but about allowing Christ to transform our lives through His grace.
 

What happens during RCIA?

Throughout the journey you will:

· Meet regularly with others exploring the Catholic faith.

· Learn about the teachings of the Church and the meaning of the sacraments.

· Read and reflect on Sacred Scripture.

· Spend time in prayer.

· Be encouraged to participate in the life and worship of the parish.

· Have plenty of opportunity to ask questions in a welcoming and supportive environment.
 

No previous knowledge of Christianity is required, and everyone is invited to journey at their own pace.
 

A Journey of Faith
 

The Christian life always begins with God’s initiative. Through the Holy Spirit, God invites each of us into friendship with Himself through Jesus Christ.
 

During RCIA, participants are encouraged to grow in faith, hope and charity, embracing a life of prayer, discipleship and ongoing conversion. The journey reaches its high point in the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation, usually at the Easter Vigil, when those being received into the Church are united more fully with Christ and His people.
 

Yet this is not the end of the journey. The Christian life is one of continual growth in holiness as we deepen our relationship with Christ through prayer, the sacraments, and loving service to others.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be baptised already?
No. RCIA is for those who have never been baptised as well as those already baptised who wish to become Catholic.
 

I’ve already been baptised in another Christian church. Can I still join?
Yes. RCIA is also the normal pathway for baptised Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.
 

Do I have to become Catholic if I start RCIA?
No. RCIA is a journey of exploration and discernment. There is no obligation to become Catholic simply because you attend.

Can I just come and ask questions?
Absolutely. Questions are welcomed, and many people begin RCIA simply because they want to learn more about the Catholic faith.
 

Join Our RCIA
 

Our RCIA journey normally begins each autumn and leads towards the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil, although everyone progresses at their own pace.
 

If you are interested in becoming Catholic—or simply exploring the Catholic faith—we would love to hear from you.
 

Please contact the Parish Office:

office@aldershot-catholics.uk

 

A Journey Through RCIA

One of our parishioners has shared their personal story of becoming Catholic through RCIA.