Our church community holds special sessions to share with others the truths of the Catholic faith and the fellowship of our parish family. Starting in Spetember, there will be regular sessions for those who would like to look into the Catholic Church and its teachings. We invite you to join us.
The sessions are free and imply no commitment on your part to join the Catholic Church. We are simply inviting you to learn what the Church teaches, and to meet some of our parish members who serve in this ministry. These sessions also are opportunities for you and others that you may wish to invite, to ask any questions you may have about Jesus Christ and the Church. These gatherings are open to people who are not baptized, as well as those who are baptized Christians from Protestant or Evangelical backgrounds, or baptized Catholics who have not received their First Communion or Confirmation.
If you would like to talk with one of our priests, please feel free to give them a call. We can talk on the phone or we can set up a time to meet. Our number is (0191) 567 5354. You can also email us using the detils on the contact us page.
Jesus is waiting for you - what will your answer be?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process of steps and stages an adult goes through in order to join the Catholic Church.
It begins with acceptance in to the Order of Catechumens when a person formally declares their intention to prepare to baptism or reception into the Catholic Church. On the first Sunday of Lent, the catechumens are presented to the Bishop of the diocese who formally chooses, or 'elects' them for baptism. They are then called the 'Elect'.
Finally, at the end of a journey of prayer and study, the Elect receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at a special Mass on the Night before Easter Sunday.
Adults who were baptised in another Christian church or community are not usually baptised again since the Catholic Church recognises as valid their baptism. However, after making a formal profession of faith and being welcomed into the Church on Easter Night, they receive for the first time the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.