Welcoming adult Catholics in Newtown is a special challenge because we are a small community and we struggle to find sufficient ministers to catechise; sponsor and celebrate the liturgies. We find the process is best addressed in a fluid way where we trust candidates and sponsors to navigate the large landscape of discovering God’s will for them at this time in their life. We use the varied methods the Rite suggests. We trust the personal relationships of candidates with their sponsors and other friends, family and parishioners; the discussions following the liturgy of the Word on Sundays and such things as internet sites and parish retreats, shared meals and spirituality programs.

We have found that the process of engaging with RCIA builds community in unexpected ways. "Cradle Catholics" are often surprised by what they learn about their own faith, and find that their involvement as a sponsor deepens their own understanding and enriches their relationship with Christ and fellow parishioners. It is also affirming to witness others who seek to join our faith community. The whole parish benefits from this process. At Newtown, we have a particular focus on involving new Catholics in the parish, to ensure that they are not left feeling adrift after the build up to Easter. RCIA creates a space for members of the Church to minister to one another by building a community of the spirit.

At the Easter vigil Michael George and Fiona Stephens were baptised and Paula Bruckard, Deepa Bardoloi and Maryanne Griffin were welcomed into the Church through the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. This was a wonderful event that enables the parish to celebrate its own baptismal status through welcoming new members. We had a wonderful parish party with the new Catholics and everyone knew that they were on sacred ground.

Fr Peter Maher, Parish Priest and Susanna Davis, RCIA coordinator.