readings & videos for rcia
The videos and websites listed below are designed to give you a start on each topic. We’ve kept most of them short to make this as doable as possible.
Before you start, ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart to hear and understand each topic. Remember, this period of formation is about both your head and your heart.
We also encourage you to go further – this list is just a quick introduction. Be guided by the questions you have or the areas you’d like to dive deeper into. We’ve included various styles of videos - you may find a presenter or style that appeals to you - pursue those ones first. (NB. Not everything on the internet is reliable! If you’re not sure about a website, ask your sponsor or one of the team.)
Along the way, make a note in your journal of anything that surprises you or any questions you have, so you can chat about these with your sponsor.
The overview of the RCIA timeline and dates for each session is available at www.ec.org.au/rcia25.
Go to Module 1:
The Trinity, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, The Bible
Module 2 (below)
Sacraments, The Mass
Go to Module 3:
Prayer, Mary & the Saints, The Christian Life
(plus a variety of other topics)
Module 2
Introduction to the Sacraments
“The Seven Sacraments”
ODB Films [2min]
“Why We Need Signs, Symbols and Sacraments”
Sycamore Seek [5 min]
This Module focuses on the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist.
We’ll add some additional resources below for the Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick; and the Sacraments of Mission: Marriage & Holy Orders.
Topic 1: Baptism
Watch:
“Sacrament of Baptism”
The Well [6 min]
“Stop Being a Chicken: The Realities of Baptism”
Bishop Robert Barron [8 min]
Read:
“Introduction to Sacraments” section at Catholic Enquiry Centre
“Baptism” section at Catholic Enquiry Centre
Go further:
Watch:
“Is Baptism Really Necessary?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1TlulFc-aU (Catholic Answers) – 22 min
Read:
Catechism of the Catholic Church: Articles 1213-1284
At Home with God’s People: “Baptism and Confirmation”, pp 107-118
Topic 2: Confirmation
Watch:
“Baptism & Confirmation”
The Thomistic Institute [7 min]
“The Sacrament of Confirmation”
Bishop Robert Barron [9 min]
Go further:
Watch:
Read:
Catechism of the Catholic Church: Articles 1285-1321
At Home with God’s People: “Baptism and Confirmation” pp 107-118
Topic 3: Eucharist / The Mass
Watch:
“Questions about the Mass”
The Well [5 min]
“The Eucharistic Prayer (Part 1)”
Archbishop Mark Coleridge [5 min]
“The Eucharistic Prayer (Part 2)”
Archbishop Mark Coleridge [3 min]
Go further:
Watch:
“The Mass Series” full playlist https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/articles/the-mass-series/ (series of short videos unpacking the elements of the Catholic Mass)
“The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzCPu_lEhe8 (Bishop Robert Barron) - 1hr
Read:
Catechism of the Catholic Church: Articles 1322-1419
At Home with God’s People: “Eucharist” pp 119-128; “Structure of the Mass” 129-136
What about the Other Sacraments?
“Sacraments” section at Catholic Enquiry Centre
Read the sections about Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation & Anointing of the Sick; and the Sacraments of Mission: Marriage & Holy Orders.