Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which those seeking to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church are prepared through prayer, catechesis, and participation in parish life. This journey is greatly enriched when members of the parish community are willing to accompany and support candidates as they undertake this important step in faith.
Parishioners who are able to offer some of their time to assist individuals on this journey are invited to contact Fr Gareth for further information.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process by which those seeking to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church are prepared through prayer, catechesis, and participation in parish life. This journey is greatly enriched when members of the parish community are willing to accompany and support candidates as they undertake this important step in faith.
Parishioners who are able to offer some of their time to assist individuals on this journey are invited to contact Fr Gareth for further information.
RCIA in Saint Mungo's
Introducing the Gospel of Matthew — Year A in the Liturgical Cycle
In the Church’s three-year Sunday Lectionary cycle (Years A, B, and C), the Church journeys through the story of salvation by focusing on one of the Synoptic Gospels each year:
Matthew’s Gospel speaks directly to the life of the Church. It reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and emphasizes what it means to live as a disciple within the community of believers. It is especially fitting for catechumens and candidates preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation because it guides us toward understanding what the Kingdom of God truly is and how we are invited to live within it.
For those in the RCIA process, Matthew’s Gospel helps to:
Matthew and the RCIA JourneyThe RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a journey of faith that mirrors the pattern of conversion and growth seen throughout Matthew’s Gospel.
The Three Scrutiny Gospels (John 4, 9, and 11)During Lent of Year A, the Church celebrates the three Scrutinies—special rites of purification and enlightenment for the Elect (those preparing for Baptism).
Although John’s Gospel is used, these readings are always retained in Year A, even when another Gospel is read at Sunday Mass, because of their deep baptismal symbolism.
These three passages from John form a spiritual progression in conversion:
Why This Matters for RCIA
In the Church’s three-year Sunday Lectionary cycle (Years A, B, and C), the Church journeys through the story of salvation by focusing on one of the Synoptic Gospels each year:
- Year A – Matthew
- Year B – Mark
- Year C – Luke
The Gospel of John is read throughout the Easter season and on special solemnities and feasts in all three years.
Matthew’s Gospel speaks directly to the life of the Church. It reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and emphasizes what it means to live as a disciple within the community of believers. It is especially fitting for catechumens and candidates preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation because it guides us toward understanding what the Kingdom of God truly is and how we are invited to live within it.
For those in the RCIA process, Matthew’s Gospel helps to:
- Deepen the understanding of conversion and discipleship,
- Illuminate the meaning of forgiveness, mercy, and service,
- Draw new believers into the mystery of the Paschal Journey—Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
Matthew and the RCIA JourneyThe RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a journey of faith that mirrors the pattern of conversion and growth seen throughout Matthew’s Gospel.
- Matthew begins with a call—Jesus inviting people to “Come, follow me.”
- He reveals what life in the Kingdom looks like through the Sermon on the Mount, the parables, and acts of healing and compassion.
- He then leads his followers toward the cross, teaching that true discipleship involves self-giving love and trust in God.
- Finally, Matthew ends with the Great Commission, sending the disciples to continue Christ’s mission to the world.
The Three Scrutiny Gospels (John 4, 9, and 11)During Lent of Year A, the Church celebrates the three Scrutinies—special rites of purification and enlightenment for the Elect (those preparing for Baptism).
Although John’s Gospel is used, these readings are always retained in Year A, even when another Gospel is read at Sunday Mass, because of their deep baptismal symbolism.
These three passages from John form a spiritual progression in conversion:
- The Samaritan Woman (John 4:5–42) – The Living Water
- Jesus reveals Himself as the source of living water.
- This Gospel speaks of conversion, faith, and the thirst for God that only Christ can satisfy.
- It points to Baptism as the wellspring of eternal life.
- The Man Born Blind (John 9:1–41) – The Light of the World
- Jesus opens the eyes of one who was blind from birth.
- This Gospel symbolizes enlightenment, as the Elect move from darkness to light through faith.
- It reflects the power of spiritual sight given in Baptism.
- The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1–45) – The Resurrection and the Life
- Jesus calls Lazarus from the tomb, prefiguring His own Resurrection.
- This Gospel reveals new life and victory over death through Christ.
- It points to the new life of grace received in Baptism and to the promise of eternal life.
Why This Matters for RCIA
- The Gospel of Matthew and the Scrutiny Gospels from John work together to form the catechumens in both mind and heart.
- Matthew shows what it means to live as a disciple in the Kingdom of God, while the Scrutiny Gospels show the inner transformation God accomplishes through grace.
- Together, they prepare the Elect to renounce sin, profess faith, and enter fully into the Paschal Mystery celebrated at Easter.
RCIA - Praying the Sunday Gospel with
THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Praying the Sunday Gospels with the Catechism “In the sacred Scriptures, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, but as what it really is, the word of God.”
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 104
Each Sunday, the Church invites us to listen to the living Word of God in the Gospel. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) helps us to understand that Word more deeply, showing how the Church’s teaching flows directly from the life and message of Jesus Christ.
This guide — Praying the Sunday Gospels with the Catechism — links every Sunday Gospel with related passages in the Catechism.
It is designed to help you:
Click on Praying Sunday Gospel with the Catechism then click on the Gospel reference for the week to read the passage, then explore the Catechism links to see how the Church teaches and lives that same truth today.
Allow this dialogue between Scripture and the Catechism to become a moment of prayer, learning, and encounter with Christ.
Praying Sunday Gospel with the Catechism starts 1st Sunday of Advent 2025 which is the start of RCIA Rite of Acceptance.
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 104
Each Sunday, the Church invites us to listen to the living Word of God in the Gospel. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) helps us to understand that Word more deeply, showing how the Church’s teaching flows directly from the life and message of Jesus Christ.
This guide — Praying the Sunday Gospels with the Catechism — links every Sunday Gospel with related passages in the Catechism.
It is designed to help you:
- Reflect prayerfully on the Gospel message.
- See how the Catechism explains and deepens our understanding of Scripture.
- Grow in faith through the unity of Word and Tradition.
Click on Praying Sunday Gospel with the Catechism then click on the Gospel reference for the week to read the passage, then explore the Catechism links to see how the Church teaches and lives that same truth today.
Allow this dialogue between Scripture and the Catechism to become a moment of prayer, learning, and encounter with Christ.
Praying Sunday Gospel with the Catechism starts 1st Sunday of Advent 2025 which is the start of RCIA Rite of Acceptance.
