RCIA Portal
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Caloundra Catholic Parish - RCIA Portal
Welcome to Caloundra Catholic Parish, Our Lady of the Rosary - RCIA Portal. We are so pleased to be joining with you on your journey towards becoming Catholic.
This portal will provide access to the resources and materials we cover in the RCIA Program and summaries of the weekly program notes.
Should you have any issues or questions please do not hesitate to contect the Parish office or our RCIA leadership team or use the "Comments" section at the bottom of the page.
Mass Guide
If you are new to the Catholic Liturgy you can find a short companion guide here which will walk you through the different sections of the mass.
RCIA 2025 Schedule
RCIA / ALPHA Worship Music
Spotify
Access the Spotify Playlist here
Youtube
Access the Youtube playlist here
Or use the embedded player below.
Part 1:
26th June: Come & See Introduction Night
The "Come and See" event is the first step in the RCIA process for adults who wish to join the Catholic Church. It's a chance to explore the possibility of becoming Catholic in a welcoming and informative setting. The RCIA process itself is a journey of faith that involves learning about the Catholic faith, discerning a call to conversion, and celebrating the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).
Week 1: Is there more to life than this ?
Join us in this thought-provoking session as we explore life’s big questions. Is there more to life than this? What is the purpose of my life? Where am I heading? We also introduce and discuss the person at the heart of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ.
Video Content
This Weeks Reading
At Home with Gods People: In Search of God
(Pages 9 - 16)
Summary
- For anyone on the journey of faith, God is the end of the road, the goal of the search.
- Faith and Reason go hand in hand. Our Catholic tradition holds there is a discernable presence which, in part can be discovered by a reasoned exploration of the world and the human person
- There is evidence for God's existence in beauty and order of the world around us; the greatness of the universe of which our planet is a relatively tiny part; in the complexity and magnificence of nature and especially the wonder of human life.
- The one true God: Into a confused variety of ancient beliefs about God came Christianity. A religion which stood out as a beacon of light. Here we find the concept of God which far surpassed any other in the world at that time.
- Christ is the visible image of God, the centre of all creation.
- By seeing the works and hearing the words of the man Jesus, we gain an insight into the character of God that was otherwise unknowable. Gods love, compassion and mercy. Gods Care and concern for individuals especially the poor, the sick, the weak, the outcast and those whom Jesus called God's little ones.
Reflection Questions:
- Can you recall something that was a real help to you in your search for meaning in life and for God ? Perhaps a particular event, a conversation, a book, a person, a thought or idea that struck you ?
Reflect on this and what difference it made to you in your lifes journey.
- Part of the Catholic belief is that God is always present and lovingly active in our lives, whether we are aware of it or not. Do you think God was present in the times you remembered in the previous reflection ?
Where do you think God is present in your life now ?
Where do you think God is calling you right now ?
Additional Reading and Resources
Catholic Christianity: Natural Revelation Does God Exist ?
Dr Peter Pelicaan - Executive Director, ArchDiocesean Ministries Brisbane
Mere Christianity by C.S Lewis
Amazon - Available in digital form for 99 cents
"Mere Christianity" is a thought-provoking book written by C.S. Lewis, where he explores the fundamental principles of Christian faith. Through a series of insightful and logical discussions, Lewis presents a compelling case for the existence of a moral order and the rationality of Christian beliefs. He addresses topics like morality, human nature, and the essence of God's existence, making it a timeless work that continues to engage readers in profound contemplation about the foundations of Christianity.
"Mere Christianity" has sold millions of copies worldwide in over half a century. It is one of the most popular introductions to the Christian faith ever written.
The Search for God by C.S Lewis
Amazon
This volume of short essays and other pieces by C.S. Lewis is part of a larger collection, C.S. Lewis: Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces. In addition to his many books, letters, and poems, C.S. Lewis wrote a great number of essays and shorter pieces on various subjects. He wrote extensively on Christian theology and the defense of faith but also on ethical issues and the nature of literature and storytelling. Within these pages is a treasure trove of Lewis' reflections on mans search for God.
Week 2: Who is Jesus ?
He is one of the most well-known historical figures in the world. This episode discusses “Who is Jesus?” and any evidence for his existence. Was Jesus fully human or divine? Was he more than a man, a great human and a religious teacher?
Video Content
This Weeks Reading
At Home with Gods People: The God of Revelation
(Pages 47 - 52)
Summary
- Christians do not have a monopoly on belief in God
Many people have come to recognize the existence, power and goodness of God through their own powers of reasoning and reflecting on the works of God in creation. - Over and above this however Christians have the benefit of God's "self revelation" through the person of Jesus Christ and through the pages of the Bible.
- What we can discover in the teaching of Jesus is that God though one - is a God of three persons. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We call this the doctrine of the "Trinity" - God sent his son Jesus Christ into our world to become one of us. God did this so that people might identify with Jesus by hearing his words and witnessing his deeds.
- Only the Christian religion, of all the world's religions, makes the extraordinary claim that God came to dwell on this earth as a human being.
- When we see Jesus in action and listen to his words, we receive a much clearer and deeper insight into God's own character, what God is really like.
- Gods great love is shown in Jesus Incarnation: Thus John writes: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.
Reflection
In our seach, we naturally want to know more about God and what God's dealings with us may mean.
As we grown and change our grasp of key ideas and people change too. Think back to when you were younger - what is the earliest memory of an idea of what God was like ? What was the word or image or quality that that you associated with God then ?
What is the word, image or quality that you associate with God now ?
What are the differences and what do you think this means in terms of your search and Journey in life and to discover God ?
Additional Reading and Resources
Why Jesus Matters In Modern Australia?
Archbishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge
Week 3: Why did Jesus die ?
Have you ever wondered why the cross is the symbol of Christianity? This episode explores why Jesus was crucified on a cross about 2000 years ago and what relevance that has today.
Video Content
This Weeks Reading
At Home with Gods People: Sin and Forgiveness
(Pages 137 - 140)
Note that this weeks readings only covers the first half of the Chapter: Sin and Forgiveness.
The second half of the chapter deals with the Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation. Feel free to continue reading this section however we will revisit this and cover this in more detail later in the RCIA process.
Additional Reading and Resources
Catholic Answers - A Primer on Atonement:
https://www.catholic.com/qa/a-primer-on-atonement
Catechism of the Catholic Church (606-623):
CHRIST OFFERED HIMSELF TO HIS FATHER FOR OUR SINS
Veritas Catholica
Why does a fallen world require sacrifice ?
The Bible Project
How God Deals With Evil Without Destroying Humanity
Word on Fire - Bishop Barron:
Why did Jesus die the way he did ?
St Paul Center - Scott Hahn
The Catholic View on Atonement vs Calvanist Understanding
Week 4: How can I have Faith
This episode explores what it means to have faith and to be a Christian: someone who follows and puts their faith in Jesus Christ.
Video Content
This Weeks Reading
At Home with Gods People: The Life of Faith
(Pages 91 - 96)
Summary
- Faith is not knowledge that frees us from doubt but is a gift that makes it possible for us to live with doubt.
- Faith is the way we respond to God as God is revealed in our daily lives. It is a dynamic relationship, a living and continual encounter with God, whereby we grow continually in our knowledge of God and God's will for us, and commit ourselves to live our lives accordingly.
- A measure of our growth in faith is the way we live.
Reflection
Your journey to God is a journey of faith - a coming to a deeper relationship with God and a deeper commitment to Gods word for you. Your life changes as this turnings, this conversion takes hold and goes deeper.
- Think of some of the changes, the shifts that may be happening in your life.
- Is there a shift now in how you think of God ?
- Is there a shift now in the way you now relate to God, talk to God ?
- Are there any other aspects of your everyday life that are changing? How ?
- Whatever the shifts or changes in your life, how do you feel about your journey with this community ?
Additional Reading and Resources
What Real Faith Looks Like
Fr Mike Schmidt
What Faith is and What Faith isn't
Word on Fire - Bishop Barron
What is Faith
Billy Graham
Week 5: Why and how do I pray ?
Is prayer simply a religious tradition or a personal conversation with God? This session explores why and how people pray.
Video Content
The activity that we call prayer can hardly be made the object of a commandment. If two people have to be commanded to talk to each other, their relationship obviously does not have a lot going for it. Besides, it will not work. Perhaps two people can be made to speak words to each other, but they cannot be made to communicate. This happens only when they want to share something with each other. Communication is one of the expressions of love. When Jesus talked about prayer he revealed to us its unsuspected depths, and he spoke about God’s side of the communication.
Content
This Weeks Reading:
At Home with Gods People: Prayer
(Pages 17-26)
Summary
- Prayer is a two way communication between us and God. Both speaking but also listening with 'the ears of our hearts'.
- There are many different ways of praying. One may use a set of formulas – the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Rosary, the Psalms or something more spontaneous and personal.
- Our prayer response may be in the form of adoration, praise or thanksgiving. It may take the form of expressing sorrow for sin. Again, it may be petition for one’s own needs or those of others. It may in fact be anything, as long as it comes from the heart.
- Prayer cannot be measured in terms of usefulness. That does not mean it does not have many fruitful and beneficial effects - it does. But rather that it should be looked at like friendship with God. If the benefits we gain are the sole purpose of friendship it is not really friendship at all only a business arrangement. So it is with prayer - cultivating friendship with God is its primary purpose.
- Our Prayer may come down to simply being in the presence of God - a period of "wasting time with God" and cultivating friendship with him.
- Without that special reserved time from our busy schedule with God in Prayer - 15mins, half and hour or longer if we are able - we can easily become spiritually undernourished, less committed, less fervent. The way we pray is often less important then the fact that we do pray. We must make the choice to still our restlessness and forego other activities for time with God.
Prayer Activity
Download the PDF Handout here
In this week’s activity we are asking you to put into practice some of the things we have been reading and talking about in our weekly session. The practice of prayer and spending time with God. The aim of this exercise and other activities marked in Blue from the "At Home with Gods People" books is to start building the habit and discipline of prayer and spending personal time with God. Each week the book will give you a different activity at the start of each chapter that introduces you to experimenting with different forms and ways of praying. This is to help form the habit of prayer but also to help you figure out the method, place and time that works best for you to connect with God.
It's often been said: "If you fail to plan then you plan to fail". This week challenge is to plan your time with God and to start experimenting with ways and methods of prayer.
🛐🏠🌲Find a Place 🛐🏠🌲
We ask you to take time this week to consciously look for an environment and place that helps you to pray.
- This could be a favourite comfy chair.
- It could be a favourite spot in the garden.
- It could be a spot in a quiet private room in front of a sacred space or a picture you have setup.
- It could be by coming and spending time in the church.
Just make sure it’s a space where you feel comfortable, can be alone and aren't easily distracted or drawn away and that allows you to express yourself in prayer freely.
🕒 Set a Time 🕒
Rather than leaving it to chance or doing it when you "get time" take a look at your schedule this week and actively make a time to meet with God. Actually, mark this time and put it in your calendar. Put a reminder in your phone. Everyone’s schedule and preferences are different. Maybe you have kids. Maybe you work long hours with work. Maybe you’re a morning person and love getting up early. Maybe you’re a night owl and find it easier to focus at night.
Find the time that fits your schedule and works for you and then make an appointment with God. If you find the time you set doesn't end up working very well for you - then try a different one until you find one that does.
🙏 Pray: Breath Prayer 🙏
This weeks method of prayer is what’s known as "Breath Prayer".
Sometimes people are helped to enter into prayer and connect with God by becoming aware of their breathing, and then letting a word or short phrase accompany each breath. The word can be quietly said aloud or heard inside you or simply felt in the heart.
Choose a word you would like to use for this prayer. Examples might be: Jesus, Shepherd, Father, Thankyou or Come Holy Spirit.
Pick a word that works for you and then use this within your 'breath prayer' as part of your prayer time.
Helpful tip for this week: Have a notepad and pen beside you when you pray and write down any thoughts, ideas, insights or feelings you have while you pray. Its easy to forget the things we take from prayer and this will give you something to reflect on in the days and weeks ahead.
Additional Reading and Resources
'Hallow' Catholic Mediation and Prayer App
App Stores
Apple
Google Play
"Hallow is an excellent resource for people searching for deeper spiritual lives, especially the younger generation of Catholics today. It helps make clear that a relationship with God is and can be extremely personal and can be a great source of peace, joy, and strength."
Most Reverend Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades
Prayer: Our Deepest Longing
by Ronald Rolheiser
Book available to lend from our Parish Resource Bank or for purchase here
Prayer: Our Deepest Longing looks at the issues facing people of faith in today's culture, and offers a way of more effectively dealing with them by seeking out opportunities for prayer. With simple, down-to-earth language, Rolheiser illustrates the importance of prayer and offers techniques on how to pray, using examples from daily life, Scripture, and contemporary writers. He delves into the places that we fear to go with our issues about prayer, encouraging us with gentle kindness and words of hope and inspiration.
Universalis - Liturgy of the Hours
Universalis is an amazing Catholic app andwebsite which gives you access to:
- Daily Readings and Mass
- The liturgy of the hours (Divine Office) prayers
- Catholic Liturgical Calendar
- Plus much more
LITURGY OF THE HOURS (Divine Office)
The complete official Liturgy of the Hours of the Catholic Church, as used worldwide. Morning (Lauds), daytime (Terce, Sext and None), evening (Vespers), night (Compline) and the deeply reflective Office of Readings. Do as many or as few of them as you like.
https://www.universalis.com/index.htm
Prayer for Beginners
by Peter Kreft
Peter Kreeft brings his unique insights to this most important area of our spiritual lives. He claims he himself is still a beginner in prayer, and this book is for all those, like him, who feel that they are not good at praying but desire to become much better at it. Thus, Kreeft offers simple, but profound advice and practical steps for developing a prayer life based on the time-tested wisdom of the saints and great spiritual writers, especially the principles found in Brother Lawrence's classic, The Practice of the Presence of God. In short, straight-forward and unsentimental chapters, Kreeft covers all the key areas for understanding and developing that intimate form of communication with our Creator that we call prayer. He covers such areas as the necessity of prayer, various motives and methods, steps, patience, suffering, sin, faith, and grace.
Week 6: Why and How should I read the bible ?
Is the bible relevant today? How did it come to exist? This episode explores how God still speaks to people through His written Word.
Video Content
This weeks Reading:
At Home with Gods People:
The Bible: The Word of God (Pages 27-39)
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book. The Bible: The Word of God
View this weeks slides HERE which gives a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading
Summary
- The writtings of the Bible and the traditions of the Church is where we find the revealed truths which are the foundations of our faith. All major Christian churches share this view and look to the bible as the main source of basic truths of the faith.
- The Catholic edition of the bible contains 73 books. 46 make up what we call the Old Testament books and 27 which comprise the New Testament.
- Many Books, One Story: The Bible is a collection of books written over many centuries, yet it tells a unified story. The overarching theme is God’s relationship with humanity and His plan of salvation. Reading it as one continuous story helps us see how the Old and New Testaments connect.
- Unlike other religious texts, it reveals God’s direct communication with His people throughout history.
- The Bible is a collection of writings which the Church has declared to be inspired by God, and to contain the truth which God has revealed to us to guide us on the way to Salvation. This is a doctrine of faith which Catholics must believe: that the bible is not only the word of people but also the word of God.
- Christians believe that the prophecies, hopes, expectations of the old testament are fulfilled in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.
- The Old Testament: Records God’s covenant with Israel and His ongoing faithfulness. It includes history, laws, prophecies, and wisdom literature that shape our understanding of faith. Though written before Christ, it remains relevant by foreshadowing His coming and teaching moral truths.
- Law and Covenant: A covenant is a sacred agreement between God and His people, forming the foundation of biblical faith. God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Moses establish His promises and expectations. Jesus fulfills these covenants, bringing salvation through the New Covenant in His blood.
- Israel's Journey: The prophets were God’s messengers, calling Israel to faithfulness and justice. They warned against sin, reassured God’s people of His love, and foretold the Messiah. Jesus fulfills many of these prophecies, proving that God's plan was unfolding through history.
- The New Testament: The New Testament centres on Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—as the fulfilment of God’s promise and the foundation of a new covenant.
The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) proclaim the "good news" of salvation through Jesus and form the heart of the New Testament.
Other writings, such as Paul’s letters and Acts of the Apostles, give insight into early Christian belief and the Holy Spirit’s role in the Church’s growth.
The New Testament reveals how the community of believers became the Church and how Christ’s message was lived and taught in the first decades after His resurrection. - The New and the Old: Jesus brought a new covenant and a new way to God, but His mission fulfilled rather than rejected the Old Testament. Christians are spiritual heirs of Israel, inheriting God's promises to Abraham and the story of salvation begun in the Old Covenant. Understanding God’s actions in the Old Testament deepens our appreciation of Christ as the climax of God’s enduring love.
- The Beginnings of the Church: Jesus formed a core group of disciples, especially the Twelve, and promised them the guidance of the Holy Spirit after His return to the Father. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to preach the gospel boldly, using the Old Testament as the foundation for proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah. The Church quickly expanded beyond Judaea through the work of missionaries like Paul, developing into a unified, Spirit-led community across the Roman Empire.
- Early Christian Writings: The earliest New Testament texts are the letters of St Paul, written in the 50s AD to guide and encourage young Christian communities. As the first generation of eyewitnesses passed away, there was a growing need to preserve the apostolic teaching in written form. The written Gospels emerged between 65 and 95 AD, beginning with Mark and followed by Matthew, Luke, and John, to faithfully transmit the good news of Jesus.
- Inspired by God: The New Testament writings, gradually recognised by the early Church as inspired, were accepted as sacred Scripture alongside the Old Testament. The Church believes the Holy Spirit inspired the biblical authors, guiding them to write what God intended for the sake of human salvation. While the exact process of inspiration remains mysterious, the Church teaches that Scripture is divinely inspired and authoritative, not as scientific or historical fact, but as revelation for salvation.
Bible Reading Activity: The S.O.A.P Method
Download the PDF Handout Here
This week’s activity we are going to tie together the topics and content we have been learning about in both this week’s and last week’s sessions. Both Scripture and Prayer.
To do this we will use the SOAP method. SOAP is a bible study method that provides a simple framework for engaging with Scripture in a deeper way. It utilizes 4 steps which match to the letters of the acronym S.O.A.P. These steps are: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. These steps walk us through reading of scripture, reflecting on its meaning and how we can apply the truths and reflections we uncover in our own lives and then praying to God for his grace to help us.
✝️This weeks Scripture ✝️
Start with a short prayer asking God to be with you and to guide this time. Then choose one of the scripture passages from this week’s Green “Listen” section in the ‘At Home with Gods people Book’ (p27). These passages are listed below. Find one that resonates with you and then apply the SOAP Method below when reading it.
John 1:1-14 The word became flesh and lived among us
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 The wisdom that leads to salvation
Hebrews 4:12-16 The Word of God is living and active
Isaiah 55:1-11 The word of God is food and drink that fully satisfies
Scripture: Read the passage of Scripture slowly a number of times, take note and write down any parts of the passage that jump out or resonate with you or where you feel “peace”.
Observation: This step involves reflecting on the passage and identifying key themes, insights, or questions. Ask yourself questions like: What does this passage teach me about God? What does it teach me about myself? Are there any commands, warnings, or promises I can see in this scripture?
Application: Consider how the passage applies to your own life. How can you live out the truths you've learned? How might God be speaking to you through it. How might he be encouraging you or asking you to change or grow? This step encourages personalizing the scripture.
Prayer: Finally take these reflections on both the scripture and also your own life to prayer. Ask God to help and assist you to apply these truths and observations in your own life. Ask for his wisdom to see opportunities to put them into practice and thank him for his help and guidance.
Additional Reading and Resources
The Bible in A Year with Fr Mike Schmitz:
In The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes. Using an exclusive reading plan rooted in The Bible Timeline (a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by Biblical scholar Jeff Cavins) you won’t just read the Bible … you’ll finally understand how all the pieces fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!
Over 250 MILLION downloads! Over 40,000 five-star reviews on Apple Podcasts
https://media.ascensionpress.com/category/ascension-podcasts/bibleinayear/
The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Scott Hahn, Ph.D., General Editor, St. Paul Center
Curtis J. Mitch, M.A., Co-Editor
The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible series listed below lead readers through an in-depth study of the books of the Bible by providing insights and commentary from renowned Scripture scholars Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch. The whole of Scripture, Old Testament and New, is now published in a single volume, featuring the beautiful Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition (RSV2CE) translation along with introductions, outlines, and explanatory notes for each biblical book, extensive cross references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and an array of visual and educational aids to bring the message of Scripture into clear focus for Catholic readers.
More than any other study edition of the Bible on the market, the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible is “like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old” (Mt 13:52). It draws insights from the best of modern scholarship as well as the best of the Catholic tradition of interpretation through the ages.
Universalis is an amazing Catholic app andwebsite which gives you access to:
- Daily Readings and Mass
- The liturgy of the hours (Divine Office) prayers
- Catholic Liturgical Calendar
- Plus much more
This app allows you to follow the local liturgical calendar and access the daily church readings as well as a wealth of other content to help enrich your daily mass and scripture readings experience.
https://universalis.com/mass.htm
The YouVersion Bible App
The YouVersion Bible App, also known as the Bible App, is a free mobile and online platform for accessing and engaging with the Bible. It offers a vast library of Bible versions in numerous languages, along with features like audio Bibles, reading plans, and community features to connect with others.
You can download the app or accessonline with the following link:
The Bible in a Year - With Nicky and Pippa Gumbel
Nicky Gumbel is the pioneer of Alpha and the former Vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton in London, which he led with his wife Pippa. Together, they introduced The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel commentary in 2009 as a daily email for their congregation. Since then, it has become a successful app, book, podcast, and website with a global following. Join them today as they take you through every chapter and verse of the Bible, sharing their reflections and prayers along the way.
Join us as we read the Bible each day. It’s a practice that we have been doing for over 30 years and we hope it will benefit your life as much as it has ours.
Week 7: How does God guide us?
The Bible says God has a good plan for our lives. This episode explores how God guides us throughout our lives and as we navigate our desires and everyday decisions.
Video Content
This Weeks Reading
No reading this week as we have the retreat this Saturday.
Activity
Following this weekends retreat, take time to journal and right down what you experienced and felt during the sessions, discussions and the prayer and worship time. Reflect on what experiences you most treasured and what take aways you have from the weekend.
Additional Reading
Ignatian discernment, a practice developed by Catholic saint St. Ignatius of Loyola, is a spiritual process for identifying God's will by paying attention to the inner movements of the heart and soul, such as emotions, thoughts, and desires. It involves distinguishing between movements of "consolation," which bring peace and lead toward God, and "desolation," which bring restlessness and come from other sources,
RCIA Ignatian Discernment Activity
Alpha Retreat
Introduction To The Weekend
Loneliness is a familiar feeling to many people. This episode introduces the Holy Spirit and His desire to come alongside you as your constant companion.
Who Is The Holy Spirit?
Helper. Comforter. Counsellor. One part of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Spirit has many names and this episode explores the question many have asked throughout the ages. Who is the Holy Spirit, and what role does He have today?
What Does The Holy Spirit Do?
This episode explores the function and works of the Holy Spirit and how we can experience Him today.
How Can I Be Filled With The Holy Spirit?
This episode explores what it means to have access to and to be filled with the Holy Spirit and the difference between them.
How Can I Make The Most Of The Rest Of My Life?
What can life look like from now on? This episode explores what comes after a decision to follow Jesus Christ.
Getting to the Mary Mackillop Center: If transport to the retreat is needed let the team know. We would love to help you out! If you are driving to the location yourself it can be found here on google maps
Also the image below will show the turn off which is easy to miss.
Turn off here:
Week 8: How do I resist evil ?
This weeks session introduces the concept of spiritual forces of evil through the "triple alliance" of the world, the flesh, and the devil. It emphasizes that this is a real struggle and that Jesus provided the means to overcome it, not by complete disbelief but by drawing near to God and using the "full armour of God" to stand against these forces.
Video Content
This Weeks Reading
At Home with Gods People: The Birth of the Church
(Pages 53-60)
Please ensure you take time to read and reflect on this weeks book content. Our Thursday evening sessions will be changing this week from the Alpha Content and Videos to focusing more heavily on discussions around the book content. Reading through the material in advance will make our Thursday night session more fruitful. 🙏
Summary
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book. The Birth of the Church
View this weeks slides HERE which will be using in our Thursday night session. These give a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading. We will be reflecting on these together in our group session.
Activity
Taken from Page 53 of the At Home with Gods People Book.
Choose between either doing the Reflection Activity (Orange or one of the Prayer Activities (Green)
Reflection Activity
The Journey you have been making in your search for God is in many ways a unique one; there is no much of you in it, so much that is individual. Yet all of these journeys have at least one thing in common: they involve other people. In your preparation for the next session let your reflection and prayer focus on that. That in your Journey towards becoming 'at home with God's people" we are blessing along the way with loving and supporting presence of others.
- Recall some of the key people who have been involved in your search for God; Some other ones who helped you by something they did or said, or by being the kind of people they were.
- Recall when you decided to really become apart of this community. What were some of the things that helped you to make this decision.
- Do you feel you are becoming more "at home with Gods people" as you continue your jouney ?
Note for Next Week
Next week no dinner service. Drinks and nibbles only
Arrive at 5:45pm with our session to run from 6pm-7pm
(note we are finishing 1 hour earlier then previously)
Week 9: The Birth of the Church
This weeks Summary
In this weeks thought-provoking session as we explore the birth of the Church.
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book.
The Birth of the Church (P53-60)
View this weeks slides HERE which we used in our Thursday night session. These give a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading. We will be reflecting on these together in our group session.
Reflection Questions:
- The journey you have been making in your search for God is in many ways a unique one: there is so much of you in it. So much that is individual. Yet all of these journeys have at least one thing in common: They involve other people
- Recall some of the key people who have been involved in your search for God; some of the ones who helped you by something they did or said or by being the kinds of people they were.
- Recall when you decided to really become a part of this community. What were some of the things that helped you to make this decision ? What attracted you to this people of God ?
- Do you feel that you are becoming more at home with Gods people ?
This Weeks Reading
At Home with Gods People:
The Sacraments of the Church (Pages 97-106)
This weeks reading will be focused on the Sacraments. During his time on earth Jesus established certain ways of sharing his life and power with human kind. Jesus used certain people and followers of his as visible channels of the same grace that was at work in him. Besides using person's to carry on his mission and communicate his grace he employed specific actions and objects as visible signs of the life and blessing he came to give. It is because Jesus established these specific ways and visible channels of sharing his grace and life that the Church recognizes the "Sacraments". This chapter will dive into an explanation of these and history of how they came to be and what purpose and function they serve with in the life of the Church.
Additional Reading and Resources
The Birth of the Church
ArchBishop of Brisbane, Mark Coleridge
Week 10: The Sacraments of the Church
This weeks Summary
In this weeks thought-provoking session as we explore the Sacraments of the Church.
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book.
The Sacraments of the Church (P 97-107)
View this weeks slides HERE which we used in our Thursday night session. These give a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading. We will be reflecting on these together in our group session.
Reflection and Prayer Activities:
Take time to complete the Prayer or Reflection activities from this weeks Chapter of 'At Home with Gods People' (p97).
Pray:
Take one of the times you have remembered when God seemed very near to you, and recall it as clearly as you can. Now imagine Jesus to be physically present in that place (perhaps standing beside someone else who was there). Talk to God about what was happening. Listen to what God may have to say to you.
Spend time each day becoming attentive to Gods loving and living presence within you. Either just be there with God, quietly, or perhaps let one of your breath prayers begin in your heart.
This Weeks Reading
At Home with Gods People:
The Sacraments of Initiation:
Baptism and Confirmation (Pages 107-118)
This weeks reading will be focused on the Sacraments of Initiation. Baptism and Confirmation. The reading will give a deeper understanding of the important role these sacraments play in the initiation of new believers into the faith and marking the transition from childhood in to maturity in the faith.
Holiday Break
Be aware we have a 2 week break for School Holidays. Our next RCIA session will be on Thursday 9th of October. Take this extra time to reflect and review the materials we have already covered and bring any lingering questions from these topics to our next session 🙏
Additional Video Content
The Sacraments
Bishop Barron - Word on Fire
Part 2:
Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation
This weeks Summary
In this weeks thought-provoking session as we explore the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book.
Baptism and Confirmation (Pages 107-118)
View this weeks slides HERE which we used in our Thursday night session. These give a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading. We will be reflecting on these together in our group session.
Reflection and Prayer Activities:
Take time to complete the Prayer or Reflection activities from this weeks Chapter of 'At Home with Gods People' (p107).
The Sacraments of initiation - Baptism and Confirmation - mark key celebratory moments in a person's journey of faith. As your journey proceeds in ever deepening faith, reflect on what these sacraments will mark for you, and what they will celebrate.
- They are called Sacraments of Initiation. Intiation into what ?
- When we celebrate Baptism and Confirmation, we are making some powerful statements.
What are we saying about the life of the person receiving them ?
What are we saying about the church ?
What are we saying about God ?
Bible Reading
John 3:1-17 - Baptism, the Spirit and the Kingdom of God
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?
“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
This Weeks Reading
At Home with Gods People:
The Sacraments of Initiation:
The Eucharist (Pages 119-128)
This weeks reading will be focused on the Sacraments of Initiation: The Eucharist. The reading will give a deeper understanding of the important role the sacrament of the Eucharist plays. It is considered the climax of the process of initiation of new believers into the faith and source and summit of the faith - the highest form of worship we can offer to God.
Additional Video Content
The Sacraments - Baptism
Bishop Barron - Word on Fire
The Catechism in a Year Podcast - Fr Mike Schmidt - Day 174.
Summary of the Sacrament of Baptism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJt92SgTRYg
The Catechism in a Year Podcast - Fr Mike Schmidt - Day 179.
Summary of the Sacrament of Confirmation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82nEFH6ZWfM
Rite of Enrolment
Order of the Mass
An Order of Mass booklet is a small, guide containing the full text and ritual instructions for a Catholic Mass, serving as a helpful resource for those unfamiliar with the liturgy or as a handy reminder for regular attendees. It helps people understand and follow along with the prayers, readings, and responses, making the celebration of the Eucharist a more profound and fully engaged experie
Sacraments of Initiation: The Eucharist
This weeks Summary
In this weeks thought-provoking session as we explore the Sacraments of Initiation: The Eucharist
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book.
The Eucharist (Pages 119-127)
View this weeks slides HERE which use in our Thursday night session. These give a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading. We will be reflecting on these together in our group session.
Reflection and Prayer Activities:
Take time to complete the Prayer or Reflection activities from this weeks Chapter of 'At Home with Gods People' (p107).
Reflect:
The Eucharist means so much to us. It is the 'summit and source' of our christian lives. Because it is so central and so rich in meaning, we have different words for it that try to express some of its meaning.
Let your reflection be on one or more of these 'names'. What does the name mean for you ? What does it mean for your life ?
- The Lords Supper
- The breaking of the Bread
- Holy Communion
- The Eucharist
- The Eucharist Celebration
- The memorial of Christ's Death and Resurrection
- The Sacrificial Meal
- The Sacrifice of the Mass
Bible Reading
John 6:22-69 - The Bread from Heaven
The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.[a] 24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”
41 Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They were saying, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not complain among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56 Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever.” 59 He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.
60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61 But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”
66 Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67 So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God
Pray:
Take one of the times you have remembered when God seemed very near to you, and recall it as clearly as you can. Now imagine Jesus to be physically present in that place (perhaps standing beside someone else who was there). Talk to God about what was happening. Listen to what God may have to say to you.
Spend time each day becoming attentive to Gods loving and living presence within you. Either just be there with God, quietly, or perhaps let one of your breath prayers begin in your heart.
This Weeks Reading and Home Work
At Home with Gods People:
The Church: Gods People (Pages 61-68)
This weeks reading will be focused on The Church: Gods People. The reading will trace the early beginnings of the church with the first Apostles under the guidance of the Holy spirit following its spread from Judea to Rome and eventually across the world. It will explore the different images and symbols for the church in both scripture and church teaching. How collectively these symbols and images help us to better understand what the church really is, how it is meant to function - and most importantly: What our role, and the role of those around us, is within in. How the bonds between its members are vital and critical to the health of the church as a whole.
Reflection and Scripture Activities for next week:
Take time to complete the Listen Activities from this weeks Chapter of 'At Home with Gods People' (p61). Read through the 4 scriptures in the green box and make some notes about things that jump out to you and any themes, insights or observations you have from the readings.
Acts 2:36-47 The first Christian Conversion in Community Life
Acts 15:7-12 Peter Approves a new direction of policy
1 Corinthians 12:4-31 The Body of Christ and its many gifts
1 Peter 1:3-9 + 1 Peter 2:9-10 The privlidge of being a Christian.
Additional Video Content
The Sacraments
Bishop Barron - Word on Fire - The Eucharist and the True Presence of Jesus
The Church: God’s People
This weeks Summary
In this weeks thought-provoking session as we explore the The Church: Gods People
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book.
The Church: Gods People (Pages 61-68)
View this weeks slides HERE which we used in our Thursday night session. These give a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading. We will be reflecting on these together in our group session.
Reading for Next Week and Homework
At Home with Gods People:
The Moral Life (Pages 179-186)
The readings for next week will be focused on The Moral Life. The reading will give a deeper understanding on the important question of "How should one live ?" The moral life is about our choices and the life we create by freewill - and - the new life of goodness God and the Church calls us to through our initiation into the church.
Extra Video Content for this Week
Dr Scott Hahn - The St Paul Institute
Overview of the Book of Acts
The Bible Project:
Book of Acts Summary: A Complete Animated Overview (Part 1 & 2)
The Moral Life
This weeks Summary
In this weeks thought-provoking session as we explore the The Moral Life
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book.
The Moral Life (Pages 179-186)
View this weeks slides HERE which we used in our Thursday night session. These give a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading. We will be reflecting on these together in our group session.
This weeks Reading
- Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments
- Deuteronomy 6:1-12 - The Shema - God's call to the Israelites to follow Him with all their hearts
- Matthew 5:1-12 - The Beatitudes
- 1 John 2:1-11 - The Apostle John teaching the early church on morals and following Christ
Reading for Next Week and Homework
At Home with Gods People:
Sin and Forgiveness (Pages 137-146)
The readings for next week will be focused on Sin and Forgiveness.
Reminder next week we will be offering a tour of the church to get familiar with the diffent spaces within the church and their purpose and function in Worship. Please arrive to our session 15mins early @ 5:45 to participate in this tour. 🙏😊
Extra Video Content for this Week
If you would like to more deeply explore the moral life topic you are welcome to watch these additional videos on the topic.
A Tour of the Ten Commandments by Bishop Barron. Word on Fire Ministries.
The Chosen TV Series - The Sermon on the Mount
Scrutiny 1 - Repentance
Content to be added before session.
Sin and Forgiveness
Church Tour
Reminder next week we will be offering a tour of the church before our RCIA session to get familiar with the different spaces within the church and their purpose and function in Worship and to answer any questions you may have. Please arrive to our session 15mins early @ 5:45 to participate in this tour. 🙏😊
This weeks Summary
In this weeks thought-provoking session as we explore the Sin and Forgiveness
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book.
Sin and Forgiveness (Pages 137-146)
View this weeks slides HERE which we used in our Thursday night session. These give a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading. We will be reflecting on these together in our group session.
Additional Materials
To help with the process of making a good confession we discussed the process of doing an examination of conscience. Please see the attached for an example of how to follow this process based on the Ten Commandments. 🙏
Examination-of-Conscience-Ten-Commandments
Reading for Next Week and Homework
At Home with Gods People:
Prayer (Pages 17-26)
The readings for next week will be focused on Prayer.
Scrutiny 2 - Enlightenment
Content to be added before session.
Prayer
This weeks Summary
In this weeks thought-provoking session as we explore the topic of Prayer
Dive into the summary of this week chapter from the 'At home with Gods people' book.
Prayer (Pages 17-26)
View this weeks slides HERE which we used in our Thursday night session. These give a summary of the Book's content along with socratic questions that aim to stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding on each topic. These questions are not meant to be answered with simple facts, but rather to encourage deeper reflection and exploration of this weeks reading. We will be reflecting on these together in our group session.
Reading for Next Week and Homework
Next weeks session will be our final for the year. Please take time to think about your journey so far - any questions or areas of interest you would like more information on and bring them to our session next week.
Additional Reading and Resources
'Hallow' Catholic Mediation and Prayer App
App Stores
Apple
Google Play
"Hallow is an excellent resource for people searching for deeper spiritual lives, especially the younger generation of Catholics today. It helps make clear that a relationship with God is and can be extremely personal and can be a great source of peace, joy, and strength."
Most Reverend Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades
Prayer: Our Deepest Longing
by Ronald Rolheiser
Book available to lend from our Parish Resource Bank or for purchase here
Prayer: Our Deepest Longing looks at the issues facing people of faith in today's culture, and offers a way of more effectively dealing with them by seeking out opportunities for prayer. With simple, down-to-earth language, Rolheiser illustrates the importance of prayer and offers techniques on how to pray, using examples from daily life, Scripture, and contemporary writers. He delves into the places that we fear to go with our issues about prayer, encouraging us with gentle kindness and words of hope and inspiration.
Universalis - Liturgy of the Hours
Universalis is an amazing Catholic app andwebsite which gives you access to:
- Daily Readings and Mass
- The liturgy of the hours (Divine Office) prayers
- Catholic Liturgical Calendar
- Plus much more
LITURGY OF THE HOURS (Divine Office)
The complete official Liturgy of the Hours of the Catholic Church, as used worldwide. Morning (Lauds), daytime (Terce, Sext and None), evening (Vespers), night (Compline) and the deeply reflective Office of Readings. Do as many or as few of them as you like.
https://www.universalis.com/index.htm
Prayer for Beginners
by Peter Kreft
Peter Kreeft brings his unique insights to this most important area of our spiritual lives. He claims he himself is still a beginner in prayer, and this book is for all those, like him, who feel that they are not good at praying but desire to become much better at it. Thus, Kreeft offers simple, but profound advice and practical steps for developing a prayer life based on the time-tested wisdom of the saints and great spiritual writers, especially the principles found in Brother Lawrence's classic, The Practice of the Presence of God. In short, straight-forward and unsentimental chapters, Kreeft covers all the key areas for understanding and developing that intimate form of communication with our Creator that we call prayer. He covers such areas as the necessity of prayer, various motives and methods, steps, patience, suffering, sin, faith, and grace.
Scrutiny 3 - The Resurrection
Content to be added before session.
Final Questions and Preparation
Content to be added before session.