Faith-Sharing
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) names the process by which individuals desiring to become members of the Catholic Church, embrace a journey of spiritual and personal formation.
A number of Sisters of St John of God are actively involved as Sponsors in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults in various parishes throughout Australia and they accompany candidates as spiritual friends. They meet frequently with the catechumen in a gentle non-threatening way so that together faith and life can be shared. They support, encourage and help the catechumen to absorb what 'being Catholic' means in the everyday life of the faith community.
It is a gradual process that takes place within the community of faithful, and the rite of the initiation is suited to the spiritual journey of adults which varies according to the many forms of God's grace, the free co-operation of the individuals and the action of the Church and the circumstances of time and place.
Like other sponsors, the Sisters show themselves ready to give candidates evidence of the spirit of Christian community and to welcome them into personal conversation and to community gatherings. They accompany them on the day of election, at the celebration of the sacrament of initiation and during the period of mystagogy.
As individuals become full members of the Catholic Church, the Sisters deem it a privilege to be there for them in a spiritually supportive way, making themselves available to help them feel at home in the Catholic Community.
Sister Catherine and Sister Gabrielle,
