Journey of Discovery in the Catholic Faith

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

A man with a long beard dressed in ornate religious robes with gold details and religious icons, appearing to be set in a historical or religious context, looking upwards with a solemn expression.

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

ST. AUGUSTINE

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the Church’s way of welcoming adults who wish to enter into the Catholic faith. Through this process, you will be prepared to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.

But RCIA is more than just a program — it is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Christ and His Church, where you are invited to grow as a joyful disciple of Jesus.

If you feel God is stirring something in your heart, or even if you are simply curious to learn more — we warmly invite you to take this journey with us.

A new journey begins on 1 July 2026

Embark on the RCIA Journey 2026/27. Join as an Inquirer or a Sponsor! You may sign up online or fill up a physical form, available from our parish office.

  • RCIA sessions take place on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

  • Breaking of the Word begins during the Catechumenate phase and is held on Sundays from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

  • » Inquirer Signup Form: https://holyfam.short.gy/rcia

    RCIA begins with a Welcome Session on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 at 7.30pm

    » Bringing a Companion

    If you know a Confirmed Catholic who is willing to journey with you, you are welcome to invite them to be your Companion during your RCIA journey.

    A Companion accompanies you as you explore the Catholic faith and attends RCIA sessions with you.

    When you sign up as an Inquirer, you may:

    • Provide the name of your Companion

    • Upload a copy of their Confirmation Certificate

    If you do not have a Companion, you may still sign up.

  • »Becoming a Sponsor

    If you are a Confirmed Catholic willing to accompany someone on their journey into the Catholic faith, you may sign up to serve as an RCIA Sponsor.

    Sponsors walk with an inquirer or catechumen through the RCIA journey — offering support, encouragement, and helping them grow in their faith.

    » Sponsor Signup Form: https://holyfam.short.gy/sponsor

    Closing Date for Sponsors: 16 June 2026

  • We welcome baptised Catholics who have yet to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

  • Please email us at rcia@holyfamily.org.sg

Who is RCIA for?

The RCIA process is open to:

  • Non-Christians – those exploring the Catholic faith.

  • Baptized Christians – from other denominations who wish to become Catholic.

  • Baptized Catholics – who want to return to their faith and complete their initiation through Confirmation.

The RCIA Journey

The RCIA journey consists of 4 phases

  • As an Inquirer, this is a time for you to ask questions, be introduced to Gospel values, and experience the beginnings of faith. If you feel that you are ready and would like to take the next step, this period concludes with the celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. The inquiry stage is also known as the Evangelisation and Pre-catechumenate period.

  • As a Catechumen, this is a time for your faith to be nurtured. You will be participating in celebrations of the Word and attending sessions to learn about the Catholic faith and teachings. If you feel that you are ready and would like to take the next step towards initiation, this period concludes with the celebration of the Rite of Election/Enrollment of Names where there will usually be a diocesan-wide celebration with the bishop or his delegate as the celebrant.

  • As an Elect, this period (usually during Lent) preceding your initiation is meant to be a time of reflection, intensely centred on conversion, marked by the celebration of the scrutinies and preparation for the rites of the Sacraments of Initiation. During this time, you are still free to make a final decision on whether you wish to be fully initiated into the church.

  • This post-baptismal instruction period allows for the deepening of sacramental life with emphasis on Gospel, Eucharist, and Mission.

Four women sitting on wooden pews inside a church, smiling at the camera, wearing matching light blue shirts with a church logo.

What to Expect on the Journey

  • A group of people seated in a circle in a meeting or seminar room, with a small table in the center decorated with cloth, candles, and plants.

    Instruction

    Engaging sessions on Catholic beliefs, practices, and the life of Jesus.

  • A large congregation gathered inside a church during a service. Two priests are at the altar, one reading from a lectern, with a cross and floral arrangements nearby. The congregation includes men, women, and children, some wearing masks, standing and attentively participating.

    Community

    A welcoming parish community, with sponsors and a core team walking alongside you.

  • A group of people participating in a communal activity, with hands on a table, some with hands on each other's shoulders, in a bright indoor setting.

    Liturgical Rites

    Special rituals and celebrations mark each stage of the process.

  • Two young women standing in prayer or reflection during a candlelit ceremony, with rocks and papers on a table in front of them, in a dimly lit room with seated people in the background.

    Personal Growth

    An opportunity for conversion, spiritual growth, and deepening your relationship with Christ.

Journeys past and present

People kneeling on the floor surrounding candles and a large painting of a tree, participating in a ceremony or meditation in a dimly lit room.