“Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit” Acts 8:17
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was reinstituted by the Catholic Church after the Second Vatican Council. It was once said “it was the best kept secret of the Council.” For the past twenty years in this Diocese, this programme has been very successful. Every year a number of Catechumens & Candidates are presented at the Rite of Election at the Cathedral.
The Rite itself is a Journey of Faith for the individual. You will see from your programme that a comprehensive study of the Roman Catholic Faith will cover every aspect of our Catholic Life.
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. (9th March 2025) 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 |
Brentwood Cathedral began in 1861 as a parish church built in a Gothic style. This relatively small building was raised to cathedral status in 1917. Between 1989 and 1991 the church was enlarged in an Italianate classical style.
The new Brentwood Cathedral was dedicated by Cardinal Basil Hume on 31 May 1991 and in 2022 the cathedral was listed at Grade II.
Photos used are copyright and property of Brentwood Cathedral, Graham Hillman and Jim Lynch
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