Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults or RCIA is a program designed for:
- adults who have been validly baptized in another Christian denomination and who now want to be received into the Catholic Church;
- adults who have not been baptized as a Christian and would like to become a member of the Catholic Church;
- adults who have not made a commitment to join the Church but who would like more information about the Catholic faith; and
- adults who were baptized in the Catholic Church as children but who have not completed their initiation into the Church and have not received their First Communion and/or the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The RCIA Program is composed of weekly meetings involving presentations on aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices, followed by a discussion.
The program begins in September of each year and runs until the following Easter when those who have completed their initiation are formally adopted as full members of the Church. Participants are asked to consider attending sessions for one or two years after their formal initiation in order to expand their understanding of the faith.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the RCIA program or obtaining information about becoming a Catholic should contact the Parish Office at 250-592-7391 .
Religious Education for Children
These classes are designed to provide children in Grades K - 4 who are not attending a Catholic school with an understanding of their Catholic faith. These classes are held on Sundays from 9:45am to 10:45 am at the Parish Centre. We ask parents to attend these classes with their child in order to be able to support their child on this Journey of Faith.
Preparation for First Confession
This program should be completed when children are in Grade Two and must be done before beginning preparation for Confirmation and First Communion. It is a 6 - 8 week series of lessons that is offered to coincide with a penitential period within the Liturgical year - Advent or Lent.
Preparation for Confirmation & First Communion
The Diocese of Victoria follows the Restored Order of the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation, where children are first Confirmed and then receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. Our programs are modelled on the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
Children begin preparation for the final sacraments of initiation - Confirmation & First Communion - in January of the year they are in Grade Three or above. It is expected that a child will have prepared for, and received his/her First Confession before beginning to prepare for the final sacraments of initiation. The date for Confirmation and First Communion is usually set in the fall and occurs within the Easter Liturgical season (May - June).
For information contact Barbara Shenton, Religious Education Coordinator, at [email protected].