The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Discovering Catholic Faith: Join Our Journey

Welcome to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) – a path that introduces interested adults and older children to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life.

The RCIA is a community-oriented journey, marked by various stages, including significant liturgical rites, which guide and support potential converts. The culmination of this journey typically occurs during the Easter Vigil when participants become full members of the Roman Catholic Church. This entire process unfolds over several months, ideally a complete liturgical year, with participants encouraged to progress at their own comfortable pace. The Church refers to this as a “process” rather than a “program.”

A Catechumen is someone who has never received baptism, while a candidate is already baptized. The Catholic Church recognizes other Christian baptisms as valid, provided they used the Trinitarian Formula, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” and flowing water.

To learn more or embark on this journey, please reach out to the parish office at 020 8560 1431 or email isleworth@rcdow.org.uk. Feel free to download the RCIA Form to get started.