Journey in Faith

Astronomical autumn begins next week with the autumnal equinox, when day and night stand almost equal. It is a lovely season of new beginnings here in Canterbury, as students return for a new term and the life of the parish begins to gather fresh energy again. This Tuesday we begin the first session of our Journey in Faith process, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, and more recently as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults or OCIA. It is the Church’s gentle and prayerful way of welcoming adults and older children who are exploring the Catholic faith and preparing for baptism, reception into full communion, or confirmation.

This is much more than a programme run by a small team on behalf of everyone else. Christian initiation belongs to the whole Church and therefore to the whole parish community of St Thomas of Canterbury. Those who come forward are not simply joining a class — they are being welcomed into a family of faith, prayer, worship, service, and witness. A kind word, a friendly welcome, a promise of prayer or a simple conversation can help them know that they truly belong among us.

The process of Christian initiation is not an activity at the edge of parish life — it belongs close to the heart of who we are. It reminds us that the Church exists to share the love of Christ, to form disciples, and to lead people gently into the sacramental life that unites us with him. RCIA/OCIA gives shape to that journey, but it is the warmth, example and prayer of the parish community that help make it a living experience of welcome.

As this new Journey in Faith begins, I warmly invite every parishioner to see this work as something we share together. Please welcome those who are enquiring, remember them in your prayers, encourage them by your example, and help them discover in this parish a home where faith is lived with conviction, generosity and joy.