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 soon after Easter) for: those wanting to become Catholic; baptised Catholics who have not received their full sacraments of initiation (Eucharist & Confirmation); and Catholics who seek a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith (if you are a ‘returning-home’ Catholic, then welcome back!). The journey culminates at the Easter Vigil Mass the following year, when Candidates and Catechumens are received into full Communion.
Your Commitment
Join the St Charles parish community for Mass every weekend and commit to join RCIA evenings every Tuesday from 19:00 to 20:30 in the Parish Office Block building. A team of leaders and sponsors support you during this 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.
- Election/Enrolment of Names:
A rite where those preparing for initiation are chosen to receive the sacraments. This takes place at the start of the liturgical season of Lent.
- Sacramental Initiation:
The culmination of the process takes place during the Easter Vigil (i.e. the evening of Easter Saturday) where participants receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
We look forward to walking the RCIA journey in faith with you!