A Journey of Faith and Welcome

Over the past six months, I have had the privilege of accompanying the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) group as Katarina Steele, Fr Frank O’Loughlin and Fr Sang Ho guided candidates and their sponsors in coming to a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, in preparation for their reception into the Church.

Period of Inquiry or Period of Evangelisation
This journey commenced on 15 October 2025 with a period of inquiry, during which the group met fortnightly until the Christmas break. On 16 November, our parish community celebrated the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens and the Rite of Welcome for candidates. Weekly meetings then continued until 3 December, and the formation process was sustained over the Christmas and January holidays through fortnightly articles and reflections on the Gospel readings.

Period of Catechumenate
In February, the group resumed weekly meetings as the candidates and catechumens continued their preparation. On 22 February, the Rite of Sending Catechumens and Candidates for Election was celebrated at the 10.00 am Mass at Our Lady of Victories. Later that same day, the Rite of Election took place at 3.00 pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral, where candidates from OLP Parish joined approximately 500 others from throughout the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment
In the leadup to Easter, during Lent, the period of Purification and Enlightenment began. In addition to the weekly meetings, the first, second and third scrutinies were celebrated across the communities of our Parish at Holy Redeemer Church, Our Lady of Victories and at Our Lady of Good Counsel.
As Easter drew near, the candidates were also encouraged to participate in the Easter Triduum: the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Our Lady of Good Counsel, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at Holy Redeemer, and finally their reception into the Church through Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil at Our Lady of Victories. Following this beautiful liturgy, Fr Sang graciously hosted a celebration for the candidates, their sponsors and guests.

Period of Mystagogy
After a short break the newly initiated and their sponsors returned for the period of Mystagogia, a period of deepening faith, continuing to meet until Pentecost Sunday. The journey concluded with a celebratory dinner held last Wednesday.

Each meeting throughout began with a reading and discussion of the Gospel, usually the passage for the following Sunday. This was followed by teaching and conversation on key aspects of the faith, most often led by Fr Frank, whose scholarly knowledge and clear presentation greatly enriched the experience for all involved. The program required a significant commitment from facilitators, candidates and sponsors alike through discussion, instruction, liturgical participation and shared celebration.
It was an honour to share in this journey of learning and faith with the candidates, teachers and sponsors. The experience not only offered fresh insights into the Catholic faith but also invited a deeper reflection on my own faith. Most heartening of all was witnessing the growth in understanding, confidence and commitment among those preparing to enter the Church.

The number and age of RCIA candidates across the archdiocese offered a striking and hopeful reminder of the vitality of the Church. So often we notice primarily the older generations in our congregations; in this RCIA group, however, there was clear evidence of many younger people freely and thoughtfully choosing to embrace the faith. Their enthusiasm, sincerity and openness to learning were deeply encouraging. In a world where such a decision may appear counter-cultural, their witness stands as a powerful sign of hope for the future of the Church.

By Anne Hanlon

(Anne is a member of our Parish Pastoral Council and was a companion on the RCIA program accompanying her husband, Ken)