Becoming Catholic
"Going therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you."
-Matthew 28.19
Becoming Catholic
God calls us all in mysterious ways. If you find yourself searching for more meaning in life, if the Catholic community of faith is attractive to you, if you want a way to form your children in the faith, we have Good News! We offer ways for you to explore prayer, Scripture, service and community aspects of following Jesus Christ. The Journey is a process of inquiry, deeper learning, prayer and reflection. The stages surround three rites – prayer experiences in the presence of the faith community. We call this journey the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Whether you are unbaptised, baptised in another tradition and searching, or just want to deepen your faith or your understanding of it.
If you or someone you know might be interested in learning about becoming a Catholic please have them contact Father John or Father Terry at (09) 534 8710.
Or email Father Terry who is in charge of this ministry.
Catholics who have never received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation are also invited to join our sessions.
We usually meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. in the Parish Centre.
There is also a group for Mandarin-speaking people.
We have had groups for people speaking other languages when there has been a call for it.
And afternoon groups for those who find the evening group difficult.
The Process
At first there are Enquirers.
That is what we call them. They range all the way from people who are merely curious, people who want to know what their spouse or their children believe, to people who are very definite in their own minds they want to join the Catholic Church. We are teaching them some of the main truths of Christianity.
There is no obligation on them. Some leave, some come back, some stay and progress to the next stage. If they leave we do not pursue them or contact them.
Then there are Catechumens.
Catechumens are people who have decided to take it further. Not ready to commit yet, but here to learn with serious ideas about joining. You start coming to our Sunday services, the meetings are going deeper into our Faith, what we believe, why we believe it. It starts with a formal Rite of Acceptance.
The Elect are next
At the beginning of Lent, 40 days before Easter, some have definitely made up their minds to join the Catholic Church. This stage begins with being presented to the Bishop at the Cathedral in Auckland with the Rite of Election; they are now the Elect (Chosen). These 40 days are a time of serious preparation for Baptism at the Easter Ceremonies. The Saturday before Easter we all go away for a day of prayer and reflection.
Easter Saturday is the time when it all comes to fulfilment. Baptism (for those not yet Baptised), then Confirmation and First Communion at the Easter Ceremonies on Holy Saturday (the evening before Easter Sunday).
