Welcome to the Catholic Faith
Your RCIA Journey in Faith to Becoming Catholic
Our St Charles Catholic community in Victory Park is always ready to welcome adults who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith. Come journey in faith with us.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is the process by which adult men and women become members of the Catholic Church and may then receive the Eucharist (Communion). It involves studying Catholic teachings and their roots in Sacred Scripture and Church history, engaging in prayer, participating in community activities, and receiving support from the parish community as you prepare to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
The RCIA Journey
RCIA is a 12-month journey in faith starting in May each year (the date is advertised in the Parish Bulletin closer to the time) It is for those wanting to become Catholic; baptised Catholics who have not received the sacrament Confirmation; and Catholics who seek a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith (if you are a ‘returning-home’ Catholic, then welcome back!).
Key RCIA stages and rituals are layed out below. A Saturday morning retreat takes place at St Charles at the end of the programme as final preparation to receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), wich takes place at the the Easter Vigil Mass.
We look forward to walking this RCIA journey with you!
Your Commitment
Join the St Charles parish community for Mass every weekend and commit to attend RCIA evenings every Tuesday from 19:00 to 20:30 in the Parish Office Block building. You are required to attend at least 80% of the evenings (i.e. not miss more than 8 classes). A team of leaders and sponsors support you during the process, fostering a deeper personal relationship with God through prayer and reflection on the Word of God. We encourage you to become involved in service within the church or community.
2026 registration (online) opens Friday 27 March 2026 below and classes begin Tuesday 5 May 2026, 19:00-20:30. Registration fee of R500 (online card payment when you register) covers the cost of text book.
Key RCIA Stages and Rituals
RCIA is structured around a series of liturgical rites and stages that mark participants’ progress in their journey in faith:
- Acceptance: Participants are welcomed into the catechumenate as they begin their journey.
- Introduction to the Parish: Candidates are introduced to the parish where they are given a copy of the Creed.
- Election/Enrolment of Names: The Rite of Election takes place on the 1st Sunday of Lent, where those preparing for initiation are chosen to receive the sacraments. This is at the Cathedrdal of Christ the King and is presided over over by the Archbishop.
- Sacramental Initiation: The culmination of the process takes place during the Easter Vigil (i.e. the evening of Easter Saturday, at St Charles) where participants receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
Rite Of Christian Initiation of Adults – RCIA Registration
2026 Classes begin on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, 19:00 – 20:30. Register online below. 12-month programme