Our next RCIA course will commence in September 2026

Apply for admission to the RCIA using the form at the bottom of this page

Why become Catholic?

Every year hundreds of people decide to become Catholic, and each one has their own special story. Each person is drawn to Jesus and the Church by different experiences and circumstances.

St Augustine, a great Saint of the Church, said, “Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in you.” The desire for God is written in the human heart, because humankind is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw all humanity to himself. Only in God will we find the truth and happiness we long for.

The journey towards God is found through Jesus Christ. He is “God-with-us,” God in the flesh. He reveals God to us: “To see me is to see the Father” (Jn 14:9). The Church is Jesus’ own Body. It is the place where God and humanity meet.

How do I become Catholic?

The Catholic Church has a special way of initiating adults into the Catholic faith. It is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It is a period of Christian formation offered to those seeking to become Catholic. The RCIA may also be referred to as the Catechumenate, highlighting its roots in the Christian formation of the early Church. The Rite encompasses all aspects of the Christian life.

The RCIA takes place within the parish community so you are able to share in the life of the Church expressed in a local faith community. it offers a way to grow in knowledge of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith in company with others on a similar journey.

What is RCIA?

The RCIA is for all those seeking to become members of the Catholic Church. Children over the age of seven years and teenagers are supported through an adapted form of the Rite.

The RCIA is offered to those who have never been baptised in any Christian church but may also benefit those already baptised who desire to become Catholic. The non-baptised who are suitably prepared are joyfully received into the Catholic Church by the reception of the three Sacraments of Initiation, namely, Baptism, Confirmation and the Most Holy Eucharist. This takes place at the Easter Vigil in their local Catholic parish.

Those already baptised in another Christian church, following a period of preparation, are welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church by the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Most Holy Eucharist.

Taking the Next Step

There is no pressure or obligation for those inquiring about becoming Catholic. We welcome all inquiries. If you are interested in becoming Catholic or simply finding out more about the RCIA, complete the form below or call our Parish Office. We look forward to hearing from you!

2026 RCIA Course

Our next RCIA cycle will commence in September 2026 and conclude in March 2027. This length of time serves two purposes: it provides sufficient time to (i) consolidate the candidate’s personal conversion to Christ, and (ii) learn the Catholic faith.

Our course commencing in September 2026 will use Ascension Press’s Foundations of Faith resource to explore the Catholic religion. Each session includes a mix of content and discussion.

The RCIA course involves time and resources, so we do ask participants to make a minimum donation of $200 to the parish (this covers the workbook, as well as the stole and candle each candidate receives at their baptism). Candidates are also encourage to make a donation to the priest. Of course, we know that people sometimes have challenging personal financial circumstances – we don’t want this to be a barrier to you following Christ, so these amounts are not hard and fast.

DateSessionSession Title
Thursday, 3rd September 2026Session 1Introductions
Reflection on John 1:35-39
Thursday, 10th September 2026Session 2God is Love: The Foundation of our Faith
Thursday, 17th September 2026Session 3Divine Revelation and Faith
Thursday, 24th September 2026
School Holidays
Session 4The Father: Creation, Fall, Hope
Thursday, 1st October 2026
School Holidays
Session 5Jesus - Like no Other
Thursday, 8th October 2026Session 6Jesus and His Redemptive Mission
Thursday, 15th October 2026Session 7The Holy Spirit and our Sanctification
Thursday, 22nd October 2026Session 8The Holy Catholic Church
Thursday, 29th October 2026Session 9Mary and the Communion of Saints
Thursday, 5th November 2026Session 10The Last Things
Thursday, 12th November 2026Session 11Liturgy; Baptism; Confirmation
Thursday, 19th November 2026Session 12The Eucharist
Thursday, 26th November 2026Session 13Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
Thursday, 3th December 2026Session 14Matrimony and Holy Orders
Thursday, 10th December 2026Session 15The Call to Happiness: Freedom, Virtue, Morality
Thursday, 17th December 2026Session 16The Human Community
Christmas holidays
Thursday, 21st January 2027Session 17The Ten Commandments (Part 1)
Thursday, 28th January 2027Session 18The Ten Commandments (Part 2)
Thursday, 4th February 2027Session 19The Call to Prayer
10th February 2027ASH WEDNESDAY
Thursday, 11th February 2027Session 20The Christian Life of Prayer
14th February 20271ST SUNDAY LENTRite of Election (Cathedral)
Thursday, 18th February 2027Session 21Our Father
21st February 20272ND SUNDAY LENT
Thursday, 25th February 2027Session 22Questions
28th February 20273RD SUNDAY LENT2pm: Exorcisms & Anointing with Catechumens
Thursday, 4th March 2027Session 23Reflection on John 4:5-42
7th March 20274TH SUNDAY LENT
Thursday, 11th March 2027Session 24Reflection on John 9:1-41
14th March 20275TH SUNDAY LENT
Thursday, 18th March 2027Session 25Reflection on John 11:1-45
21st March 2027PALM SUNDAY
25th March 2027HOLY THURSDAY7.30pm: Mass of the Lord's Supper (Corio)
26th March 2027GOOD FRIDAY3pm: Commemoration of the Lord's Passion (Lara)
27th March 2027HOLY SATURDAY8pm: Easter Vigil Mass with Baptism & Confirmation (Corio)
28th March 2027EASTER SUNDAY