Welcome!

The DeoQuest RCIA program consists of 12 content meetings of 90 minutes each, covering all the essential themes of the Catholic faith in preparation for becoming a Catholic and/or receiving the sacraments. It is also possible to opt for 24 (shorter) meetings. The formation sessions are woven in with the key liturgical steps towards full communion. The local community will arrange for some form of personal accompaniment, typically by sponsors and godparents.

The program’s approach is personal, biblical and missionary, following Jesus’ great commissioning  ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you’ (Matthew 28:19-20). This is about the personal journey of the participants with Jesus, whom we encounter in his Word and in the Church. Participants are stimulated to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and see how he calls us to act charitably and share the beauty of the faith with others. This is an ongoing process, that starts with RCIA and continues throughout Christian life.

RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) follows a pre-defined path of evangelisation, conversion and encounter with Christ. The introduction states that ‘there are four continuous periods: the precatechumenate, the period for hearing the first preaching of the Gospel; the period of the catechumenate, set aside for a thorough catechesis… the period of purification and enlightenment, designed for a more intense spiritual preparation… and the period of postbaptismal catechesis or mystagogy, marked by the new experience of sacraments and community’ (RCIA 1985, n. 7).

So the RCIA’s path of preparation and formation into the faith is about much more than passing on intellectual information. It takes an integral approach involving the entire human person with their soul, intellect and ability to act. Hence the importance of finding a suitable form of personal accompaniment of the candidates. On the one hand there is the personal journey of the participants, which can be different for each individual. On the other hand, there is the unchanging truth of God’s love for these individuals and his journey with humanity.

Personal journey

No person is the same, and there are many ways that lead to discovering the beauty of the Catholic faith. The personal journeys that lead individuals to ask admittance to the sacraments can be very different. ‘The rite of initiation is suited to a spiritual journey of adults that varies according to the many forms of God’s grace, the free cooperation of the individuals, the action of the Church, and the circumstances of time and place’ (RCIA 1985, n. 5). The Directory for Catechesis (DC) recognises that while there are various phases and a clear catechumenal path, today we cannot distinguish the phases so clearly (DC 2020, n. 56). It also states that at all phases the first announcement continues (DC 2020, n. 68). The response to the working of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the faithful can be different in everyone.

DeoQuest approach

Taking this into account, the DeoQuest RCIA program focuses simultaneously on a) the individual with their spiritual needs, questions and inquiries, b) their personal and liturgical journey to the sacraments, and c) formation in the teaching of the Catholic Church. The local community will arrange for a suitable form of personal accompaniment and map out the liturgical steps of the RCIA process in the local liturgical calendar. The formation meetings follow the DeoQuest approach of relating, asking, listening, thinking and journeying towards believing. The questions of the participants are key in helping them grow in understanding by starting where they are at.

Program approach

The DeoQuest program provides the ‘time and space’ for participants to not just ask questions, listen, reflect, grow in understanding of the faith, but also pray and put this into action. The meetings reflect the DeoQuest principles of engaging with the faith starting where the participants are at, with their questions and concerns. Thus all participants are invited to ‘Ask, Listen, Think, Relate, and Believe’. 

# ASK – Being honest about your questions is the beginning of finding answers. An inquisitive attitude is essential for growing in understanding of the faith. So do not be afraid of your questions and get ready to search for answers together.

# LISTEN – Listening carefully to each other and especially to what the Church teaches and why will help you to form your own conscience and come to conclusions about what is good and right.

# THINK – Thinking and searching for answers are fundamental for our lives. This is not just an intellectual activity. Let the discoveries become part of your life and see how they call you to action in various ways.

# RELATE – The meetings are not just classes, but a place for each participant to grow in relationship with others (and God). 

# BELIEVE – Pray & act. Participants are invited to come to a personal conclusion, looking at how what has been said is related to their personal lives. Prayer is part of every unit. The aim of the DeoQuest RCIA program is to help you grow in faith in Jesus Christ.