What is it?

This is a group that has been meeting on a regular basis for several years.  Instigated and chaired by our Parish Priest, Fr Bernard, the group aims to provide a base for informal discussion on all aspects of the Catholic faith.  The group usually meets in the presbytery from 7.00 to 9.00pm every second week, with a break during the summer months.  Wednesday evenings were popular last year, but this year we are trying Thursdays.

Individual parishes have their own methods and styles of running RCIA initiatives, ranging from one-to-one meetings with a priest or deacon to the holding of a series of meetings with practising Catholics sharing their faith and experiences with each other and with initiation candidates, under the direction and guidance of a priest or deacon.  At Birchley St Mary's we follow the latter practice with our group, although it is still possible for individuals to choose the ono-to-one route if preferred or if unable to attend our meetings.

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Who is it for?

Although the prime aim is to bring together experienced practising Catholics and non-Catholics - especially those interested in joining the faith - the group is also open to:-

• those who simply wish to increase their knowledge of the Catholic faith. 
• Catholics who have difficulties in coming to terms with the many changes of Vatican II,
• lapsed Catholics, and
• those finding it increasingly difficult to fully embrace the faith in the modern world in the way that they did in the past.

All are welcome. 

These are sessions in which we share our faith with those who wish to learn, such as:-

• Non-Catholics who wish to learn more about us with a view to joining us,
• Catholics who "missed-out" on their religious education in any way, and
• all those facing religious questions, from within or from others, for which they would like a basis for answers.

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Tell your friends about it!

Please bring our group to the attention of anyone you think may be interested in our sessions:-

• People who have expressed an interest in our faith to you,
• non-Catholic spouses or in-laws who have expressed or shown interest,
• friends or relatives who went to non-Catholic schools,
• parents or older children who sincerely believe but would like an adult view of the faith, and
• Catholic friends who have simply got out of the habit and stopped going to church.

What could they expect?

Like any forum of this nature, what its participants get out of it is largely proportional to what they put in.  Questions raised are discussed in a very open and friendly manner and it is certainly not a case of the official 'party-line' being trundled out as the answer to all our problems.  Personal views on all issues raised are encouraged, and the whole experience is one of sharing our own beliefs, understandings and interpretations with others on our journey though life.

This is Informal Religious Education for adults, shared not by teachers or experts but by ordinary sincere practising Catholics.

But is it for me?

It could well be!  Don't be afraid to join us.  If any of the above situations apply to you, or if you feel you would just like to come and see what we are up to and possibly help in our discussions, just let Fr Bernard know and we'll look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.

The programme is quite flexible but aims to cover all the major facets of the Catholic faith over the year, leading up to the possibility of RCIA entrants being received into the Catholic Church as full members at Easter in the Sacrament of Initiation.

Content can always be improved!

We welcome any constructive comments that could assist us to improve the presentation. You can be assured that we shall take great interest in all contributions and make full use of them when appropriate occasions arise.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION

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