Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

St Mary’s RCIA 2025-2026 Journey is starting soon!

If you are or know someone who is seeking to know more about God, Jesus and the Catholic Church, come or invite them to attend our Rite of Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Inquirer Sessions at 7.30pm in St Clare Hall. 

📅 Thursdays 17, 24, 31 July, 7, 14, 21 August

These sessions are part of the Inquiry phase, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the RCIA process, ask questions, and discern your next step in faith—all in a warm and supportive environment.

If you wish to be a sponsor to journey with a catechumen / candidate, you are invited to join us as well!

What Do You Seek?

Are you searching for meaning in your life? Wondering where your life is leading you to?
What is your heart really longing for?

“Inspired by God. Lovingly created by AngelinaTan.”

We invite you to journey with us to explore the deeper questions of life and find the answers you seek. Contact us at rcia.stmary@catholic.org.sg or click the links below.

Or, if you are interested to journey with the Catechumens, click below:

“I have called you by name, and you are mine.” - Isaiah 43:1

What is RCIA?

Understanding the Journey

The Journey

Becoming Catholic:
The RCIA Process

Other Christians

Already baptised in another church?

Be a Sponsor

Journey with the Catechumens

What is R.C.I.A.?

Thinking About Becoming Catholic?
Start Your Journey Here

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church. Whether you're new to Christianity, coming from another Christian tradition, or simply curious about what the Catholic Church teaches and believes, RCIA offers a supportive and enriching path forward.

What is RCIA?
RCIA is more than a class—it’s a faith journey. It's a time of reflection, prayer, learning, and growth, centered on developing a relationship with Jesus Christ and discovering what it means to live as a Catholic. Participants move through stages that deepen their understanding and experience of the faith, supported by a community of sponsors, catechists (teachers), and fellow seekers.

The Journey - The RCIA Process

“Come and see.” – John 1:39

Curious But Not Ready to Commit?
Join the RCIA Inquiry Phase 

If you’re wondering about the Catholic faith or simply exploring what it means to follow Jesus, our RCIA Inquiry Sessions are the perfect place to start. These informal, no-pressure gatherings are open to anyone who has questions, is seeking spiritual direction, or wants to learn more about the basic message of the Gospel.

There’s no need to make any commitments—just come as you are. This is the first stage of the RCIA journey, where you can meet others on a similar path, ask questions freely, and discover how God may be working in your life.

Interested in attending the next session?
Call the Parish Office at 6567 3866 to find out when the next Inquiry Session will be held. All are welcome!

Prefer email?

The Catechumenate: Deepening the Journey

If, after the initial stage of inquiry, you feel called to continue your journey toward becoming Catholic, you may enter the next phase called the Catechumenate through a special moment known as the Rite of Acceptance. In this step, you formally become a Catechumen—someone who is intentionally preparing for baptism and a life in Christ.

During the Catechumenate, you’ll walk more closely with the Church, diving deeper into what it means to live as a follower of Jesus. In small, supportive groups designed to meet individual needs, you’ll explore Scripture, Catholic teaching, and how to live out your faith in today’s world.

The Catechumenate is not rushed—it lasts as long as you need, allowing for reflection, growth, and discernment at your own pace.

The Period of Purification and Enlightenment: Preparing the Heart

As the journey continues, many Catechumens feel ready to take a significant step forward by participating in the Rite of Election. In this beautiful and solemn moment, they become the Elect—those who have been chosen to enter fully into the life of the Church.

This leads into a sacred time called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment, which typically takes place during Lent. It is a season of deep spiritual preparation, reflection, and prayer. During this time, the Elect focus on purifying their hearts, examining their lives, and seeking a clearer understanding of God's truth and call.

At the great celebration of Easter, the Elect receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist, becoming full members of the Catholic Church. They are then sent forth to live out Jesus’ mission:

  • Proclaiming truth with courage

  • Showing mercy like a shepherd

  • Offering their lives in prayer and service

This is a time of transformation—a profound encounter with God’s grace that prepares each person to walk boldly in the light of Christ.

Mystagogy: Living the Mystery

After receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter—Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist—newly initiated Catholics enter a special period called Mystagogy.

This is a time to reflect more deeply on the mysteries they have just experienced, especially the joy and power of the Resurrection. Rooted in the grace of new life, they begin to see how Christ is calling them to live as part of His Body—the Church—and to serve the world with love.

Mystagogy is not the end of the journey, but a new beginning. It's a time to:

  • Grow in understanding of the faith

  • Deepen one’s relationship with Jesus

  • Discover how to live as a Christian in daily life

  • Take one’s place in the mission of the Church

It is here that the mystery of faith continues to unfold—through prayer, community, and active discipleship.

Other Christians

Already a Baptised Christian?
You're Welcome Here

If you are a baptised Christian from another denomination and feel drawn to the Catholic Church, we warmly welcome you to journey with us through RCIA.

RCIA is not just for those new to Christianity—it also provides a thoughtful and respectful path for those who wish to be received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Your previous faith experience is honoured and built upon as you explore Catholic teaching, worship, and community life.

Through this process, you’ll grow deeper in your relationship with Christ and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist, completing your initiation into the Catholic Church.

Be a Sponsor or Join the RCIA Team

At St Mary’s, we believe that faith is best passed on through authentic relationships and shared experiences. Our RCIA process takes place in small group settings, guided by facilitators who accompany participants not just in learning, but in living the faith.

Rather than simply delivering information, we focus on creating faith-filled encounters with Jesus Christ, where people can journey together, share their lives, and grow in discipleship.

Would you like to walk alongside someone exploring the Catholic faith? Consider becoming a sponsor—a spiritual companion who offers support, encouragement, and witness.

Or, if you feel called to serve in other ways, we welcome volunteers to join our RCIA service team in a variety of roles.

To learn more or get involved, email us at rcia.stmary@catholic.org.sg or click the link below.

 

RCIA 2020 - A Journey to Remember

In this 2-part video, we relive the RCIA journey of some of our brothers and sisters who were baptised in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, and find out how the challenges and delays they faced have strengthened their faith even more.

 
 
RCIA-Sponsors.jpg

Be a Sponsor or Join the RCIA Service Team 

At St Mary’s our passing on of the faith is through small group sessions with a facilitator. We believe a relationship with Jesus Christ is nurtured primarily by real faith-encounters. Therefore, there is an emphasis on journeying and sharing lives instead of mere transferring of information. 

If you would like to accompany a person on this journey, or deepen your own formation as a Catholic, why not explore being a sponsor? Or, if you wish to join our RCIA ministry to support in various capacities and functions, email us at rcia.stmary@catholic.org.sg or click the link below.