ENQUIRY INTO THE CATHOLIC FAITH
(All sessions begin at 7pm and will finish by 8:30pm)
INTRO
24/09/2026
A welcome and introduction
WEEK 1
01/10/2026
The Search for Happiness
WEEK 2
08/10/2026
The Existence of God
WEEK 3
15/10/2026
A God who Speaks
WEEK 4
05/11/2026
Who is Jesus?
WEEK 5
12/11/2026
The Holy Spirit and the Church
WEEK 6
19/11/2026
The Bible
WEEK 7
26/11/2026
The Gift of Faith
You can find more information about each session on the SYCAMORE website:
https://www.sycamore.fm/pathways/c-sacramental-pathways/rcia-enquiry/
or in Chapters 1 to 7 of your Sycamore book.
At our introductory session, we will explore our Church after a warm welcome to the group from Fr Colin and the catechists accompanying you on this journey. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served! The Sycamore programme will be explained together with a brief introduction to the Catholic Faith.
As we embark on a preliminary seven-week programme, we shall explore the Christian faith. Alongside this preparation you may wish to attend the Mass. This time is known as the Period of Enquiry and it will end with the Rite of Acceptance Into the Order of Catechumens, where you are publicly expressing your intent to join the catholic community in Bridport. At this point you will embark on a more formal catechetical programme, known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).
RCIA will prepare you for the Sacrament of Initiation, bringing you into full communion with the Catholic church. During this time, you will become a more regular attender at Mass and will be considered to be a part of the catechumenate of the Church.
The Sacrament of Initiation will take place in Bridport at the Easter Vigil on Saturday 27th March 2027, but before this, you will be invited to the Rite of Election at Plymouth Cathedral. This will enrol you for the Sacrament of Initiation at Easter with the endorsement of Bishop Nicholas Hudson. The period of time between your Rite of Election and the Sacrament of Initiation is known as a Period of Purification and Enlightenment. During this period, you will be prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Following your initiation into the Catholic Church will be a period of Mystagogy; a time to reflect upon the sacraments you have received and how you can embed yourself into the active life of our parish in Bridport, Beaminster and Chideock.
You will be given a copy of the YOUCAT to keep and a copy of the book that accompanies the Sycamore programme will be lent to you.
You may also borrow a book which is often used in marriage preparation programmes, called “How to Survive Being Married to a Catholic”, which presents the Catholic faith in a frank and honest manner.
Dates for the second part of your journey, which will be 13 weeks of RCIA, will be made available during Advent, by which time the date for the Rite of Election at Plymouth Cathedral should be known. These meetings will still take place on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8:30pm.