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The Holy Family Parish welcomes enquiries from anyone wanting to know
about the Catholic Church's Christian faith. Interested Adults who want to learn more and possibly join the church, can enter a liturgical process
of formation called the 'RCIA' (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) also known as the 'Journey in Faith', which enables inquirers to explore Catholicism
in a friendly, relaxed environment and eventually to be welcomed into full communion with the Catholic community of faith. Here, it runs from September to
Easter, the highlight of the Christian year and the traditional time for initiating new
Christians, concluding at Pentecost.
Becoming a Catholic is not just a matter of learning and accepting a number of beliefs, it is a period of personal growth and
ongoing conversion
as a Christian, as well as growing into a particular Catholic community or parish. The RCIA
process provides an opportunity to learn without commitment and is also for Catholics who wish to deepen their understanding of the faith. Some
who participate are Christians by virtue of their Baptism in another Christian denomination. Adults who are baptised Catholics but were never confirmed or seldom practice their faith are also welcome. We are
often joined by Catholics seeking to explore their own continuing journey in
faith in greater detail and share their experiences.
Enquirers discuss aspects of the Christian faith and learn more about Catholic life, in a supportive environment with Catechists and
parishioners, many of whom have themselves been through the RCIA. For those already baptised, the process leads to reception into the
Church, Confirmation and Eucharist (Holy Communion). Those not yet baptised receive all three Sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation and
Eucharist. In previous years the process was called the Catechumenate and the person joining the Church was called a Catechumen. RCIA has its roots in the earliest evangelisation of the Church by the Apostles 2000 years ago and in Jesus’ call to all of us to preach the “Good News” to all men and women.
The
RCIA is composed of four steps. [for a highly detailed
description see the Wikipedia article in the external links list below]
- The
Inquiry or Precatechumenate stage
is a period of hearing the first preaching of the Gospel. This stage
ends with the Rite of Acceptance, a rite where the person making the
inquiry states his or her desire to enter the church to the entire
community.
- The
Catechumenate stage
is set aside for a more thorough catechesis, instruction on the
Sacraments and other church teachings. This stage ends with the Rite
of Election, a rite where the catechumens sign the Book of the Elect
which is then signed by the Bishop. This takes place in our Cathedral
in Plymouth during Lent.
- The
period of Purification and Enlightenment
is designed for a more intense spiritual preparation, consisting of
more interior reflection than catechetical instruction. This stage
includes the celebration of the scrutinies, which are rituals where
the entire community prays over those wishing to enter the church that
they deepen their resolve to set aside their past faults and sins,
hold fast to Christ and to carry out their decision to love God above
all. This period concludes with the reception of the Sacraments of
Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, usually at our
Easter Holy Saturday Vigil Service.
- Mystagogy
(Mystagogia). From the Greek for "education in the mysteries" or "going deeper into the mysteries" or a "pathway into the mysteries".
This is a period for the newly received Catholic (Neophyte)
to deepen their Christian formation and understanding of their new faith & the mysteries of the Sacraments of Initiation. Also for incorporation into the full life of the community, learning more about the different ministries in their parish and deciding how they want to more fully live out their faith. This is usually during the 50 days from Easter to
Pentecost
and is just the start of a new and personal journey with the gift of faith,
over the rest of one's lifetime. read
more using
links below
[For Catholics, a ‘mystery’ is not a puzzle that cannot be solved. It is a truth that is so deep that we know we’ll never
be able to get to the bottom of it; a truth we’ll never completely be able understand.]
If
you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith, please contact
Fr. Philip
Our current RCIA programme runs from September 2011 until Pentecost 2012.
We welcome those taking part and ask your prayers for them.
Evenings for exploration of the catholic
faith continue on Mondays at 7.15 for 7.30 – 9pm in the Presbytery, Penzance.
newsletter
Do let us know if you are interested or will be coming 
 The
Bishops' Conference of England & Wales has launched a Catholic faith enquiry
website. The sections on the website lay out a first contact with Catholic faith
and the Church, and how they connect to the meaning of our lives. Amongst the
links there is a way to find a local parish church, contacts to help answer
questions on topics such as Baptism, Marriage and becoming a Catholic. Other
sections provide guidance for further reading, together with courses and retreat
centres. Visit the enquiry website at www.catholicfaith.org.uk
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Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?”.
They said to him, “Rabbi, where are you staying?”. He said to them, “Come and you will see.” John 1:38-39
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