Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart, Bournemouth

S. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth

As many will know, the Sacred Heart Community has a flourishing RCIA group.

On Saturday 12th March 2011, all the members and catechists travelled to St John's Cathedral in Portsmouth to take part in the ‘Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion’ ceremony.

The Cathedral seemed more than usually packed as Catechumens (those preparing for Baptism) and Candidates (those preparing to be welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church) gathered with their godparents and sponsors for this beautiful and moving ceremony.

'Five go to Portsmouth'

See the page created by Mary Stone for the Rite of Election Day 2011.

Easter Vigil 2011 at the Sacred Heart

Click the picture above for pictures taken on Holy Saturday 23rd April 2011.

Always Time to Spread the Word

Our 'Journey in Faith' group (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) started last year on Thursday 23rd September 2010 at 7:30 pm in the Presbytery. This group welcomes people who are not Catholic but who may want to know about the Catholic Church and our faith tradition.

RCIA: A Journey in Faith

Would you like to know more about the Catholic Faith?
Were you Baptised a Catholic and perhaps lost touch?
Are you searching but not sure what you are looking for?
Then just Come and See!

Pick up a leaflet at the back of the church or contact Fr Bruce Barnes (01202) 551013.

You are welcome to join.

We are a small friendly group who meet each week to answer these questions and many more. There is no commitment, so why not just come along and see what it's all about? You never know, it just could be the start of something good!!

Call now 01202 551013

Check the Sunday Bulletin, Church Notice-board and this Website.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

What is the RCIA for?

Many people feel vaguely restless and empty. They try to fill that emptiness with many things; a 'perfect' job, a 'perfect' companion, a new house or a new car. Others resort to drugs, alcohol or TV. Those things may fill the void for a while, but they do not satisfy the need for real meaning in their lives. If you are looking for something more and want to deepen your understanding of God's presence in your life, the Catholic faith has so much to offer you. We are a world-wide community of faith through which, for 2000 years, people have come to know Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus that we experience the living God and gain meaning in our life. Becoming a member of our Church involves participating in a process called the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).

The RCIA is a process whereby those interested in learning about the Catholic faith come together on a weekly basis to learn about the scriptures and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and at the same time, to discover where God is present in their lives.

The process is designed primarily for those adults and children over the age of seven who have not been baptized. It is also open to those baptized in another tradition and baptized Catholics, but with no further religious training or Sacraments.

This process has its roots in the early centuries of Christianity. It is a gradual process, a spiritual journey which takes place within the parish community. The main goal of this process (a Journey of Mind, Heart and Spirit) is exploring and deepening faith.

The RCIA consists of four stages. Each is marked with a public rite or celebration. These rites mark the journey of faith of the participant. Critical to the process are the weekly small group sessions during which the teachings, beliefs, practices and history of the Catholic Church are explored. Scripture and prayer are ongoing throughout the process. The parish community helps and supports catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (previously baptized) as they progress on the journey.