Christian Initiation for Adults

Every individual has an individual story to tell, a story shaped by many factors. For those individuals who recognise a call to become part of the Catholic Church, their journey of faith will be as individual as they are.

For that reason, it is difficult to outline a 'normal process' for an adult to enter the life of the Catholic Church. The process involved will need to be figured out for everyone based on who they are and what their life experiences have been. At a basic level, your journey will depend on whether you have been baptised in another Christian church or whether you have not yet been baptised at all.

The rite for the reception of one born and baptised in a separated ecclesial community into full communion with the Catholic Church, ..., is arranged so that no greater burden than necessary is demanded for reception into communion and unity. (Rite of Reception of Baptised Christians, n.1)

The baptised Christian is to receive both doctrinal and spiritual preparation, according to pastoral requirements in individual cases ... (Rite of Reception of Baptised Christians, n.5

The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful. By joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery and by renewing their own conversion, the faithful provide an example that will help the catechumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, n.4)

The Catholic Parishes of Dungog & Gresford stand ready, however, to explore your journey, and to walk it with you as you seek to be faithful to what God is calling you too.