“Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit”
Acts 8:17
Have you been worshiping with us, but never taken the step to become Catholic? Have you drifted away from the Church, and have now returned, but want to know more? Are you a baptised Catholic, but never received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or the Eucharist? Have you joined us from a different religious background or no religious background and would like to find out more about the Jesus and His Church? If you (or someone you know) answers “Yes” to any of these questions, you are invited to find out more through a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) or the Journey in Faith.
There will be an informal meeting in the Parish Centre on 25th January 2025 where more information will be made available. For those interested please make a note in your diary.
Please try to attend all the sessions in the programme, otherwise there will be gaps in your knowledge and information.
I will give you a breakdown of the subject matter each week. Please read over the material to assimilate what you have learnt.
There will be a talk on each subject, and then the opportunity for questions. If you find that you have other questions during the week, it might help if you write them down in advance.
There will be a formal ceremony of entry into the Catechumenate known as the Rite of Election, on the First Sunday of Lent. (18th February 2024) This will give you time to seriously think about your entry into the Catholic Church.
Please choose a Sponsor. The Sponsor will journey with you in faith during this next year. They will help you with various questions you may have.
The practice of your faith on a weekly basis (Sunday obligation) is very essential to this programme. The Eucharist is the sacrament of Unity, which brings us together in our worship of God and Jesus Christ, it is also where we continue to learn about our faith.
PLEASE BE COMPLETELY FAITHFUL TO SUNDAY MASS.
This is an incredibly big step that you are taking in your life of faith; the Community is here to support and encourage you along this journey, if you need help at any time, please do not hesitate to contact Fr. John. No problem is insurmountable.
Please let me know if you are unable to attend any of the classes. by emailing cathedralbrentwood@gmail.com
God Bless you as you begin this Faith Journey.
| Part One | The Christian Vision |
|---|---|
| Thursday 21st Sept | Introduction. Information Evening |
| Thursday 5th Oct | God the Father, Creator |
| Thursday 12th Oct | Sin and its effects. Original Sin |
| Thursday 19th Oct | Restoration of friendship with God |
| Thursday 26th Oct | Jesus Christ. Truly God/Truly Man |
| Thursday 9th Nov | Invitation to share God’s life through Jesus |
| Part Two | The Church |
|---|---|
| Thursday 16th Nov | Introduction. What is the Church? Foundations of the Church Evening |
| Thursday 23rd Nov | How do we recognise the Church today? the Father, Creator |
| Thursday 30th Nov | What is Authority? Canon Law / Church Law |
| Part Three | The Sacraments |
|---|---|
| Thursday 7th Dec | Sacraments of BAPTISM & CONFIRMATION |
| Thursday 14th Dec | RECONCILIATION. Sin! Why the need to go to Confession? |
| Thursday 4th Jan | EUCHARIST (1) Jewish Notion of Memory |
| Thursday 11th Jan | EUCHARIST (2)) The need to worship God, in Christ and through the Holy Spirit. |
| Thursday 18th Jan | MARRIAGE & HOLY ORDERS |
| Thursday 1st Feb | SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: Extreme Unction. Ministry of Healing / Suffering |
| Part Four | The Next Life |
|---|---|
| Thursday 8th Feb | ESCHATOLOGY Death – Judgement – Hell – Heaven |
| Part Five | Devotions |
|---|---|
| Thursday 15th Feb | PRAYER. Is it necessary? Methods of Prayer |
| Thursday 22nd Feb | SACRAMENTALS. Devotions, Benediction, The Rosary, Stations of the Cross, The Saints |
| Thursday 29th Feb | The Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit |
| Thursday 7th Mar | THE PASCHAL MYSTERY, how we celebrate! |
| Thursday 14th Mar | THE CHURCH. A conducted tour |
| Monday 18th Mar | Parish Penitential Service for Confession 6.30pm |
| Thursday 21st Mar | THE MEANING OF HOLY WEEK |
| Sunday 24th Mar | PALM SUNDAY Blessing of Palms at all masses |
| Wednesday 27th Mar | Rehearsal for Easter Vigil in Cathedral 7.30pm |
| Thursday 28th Mar | Holy Thursday. Mass of the Lord’s supper 8.00pm |
| Friday 29th Mar | Good Friday: The Passion of Our Lord. 3.00pm |
| HOLY SATURDAY Saturday 30th Mar |
THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD Easter Vigil & Reception into the Church 7.00pm Please invite your Family & Friends THE GREATEST DAY OF THE YEAR |
In December 1917, at the invitation of Fr O’Grady, the Sisters of Mercy, opened their convent in Cambridge Park, the stables being converted into a temporary Church.
Later, the foundation stone of Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead was blessed by Arthur Doubleday, the then Bishop of Brentwood, in July 1927.
The Church has been sustained by the people of God here in Wanstead for 100 years. Long may the faith continue to grow and thrive here.
Photos used are copyright and property of Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead and Greg Gumbrell
© 2024 Our Lady of Lourdes | Privacy Policy
