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
Go to Module 2:
Sacraments, The Mass
Module 3 (below)
Prayer, Mary, The Saints, The Christian Life
(plus a variety of other topics)
Module 3
Topic 1: Prayer
Watch:
“The Power of Prayer”
Fr Mike Schmitz [6 min]
“The Prayer Course - Session 1”
24-7 Prayer [15 min]
“Tips for Praying”
Fr Mike Schmitz [8 min]
Read:
“Catholic Spirituality - Introduction” section at Catholic Enquiry Centre
“Introduction to Prayer” section at Catholic Enquiry Centre
Go further:
Watch:
“Bishop Robert Barron on Prayer” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR6J1pPiRQo (Bishop Robert Barron) –132 min
Read:
Catechism of the Catholic Church: Articles 2558-2865
At Home with God’s People: “Prayer”, pp 17-26
Topic 2: Mary and The Saints
Watch:
“Why Catholics Call Mary Their Mother”
Fr Mike Schmitz [9 min]
“Do Catholics Worship Saints?”
Fr Mike Schmitz [6 min]
Read:
“Mary and the Saints” section at Catholic Enquiry Centre
“Mary, Mother of God” at Catholic.com
“How to Pray the Rosary” (PDF to print)
Go further:
Watch:
“The Intercession of the Saints” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDY1h_RBNp0 (Catholic Productions) - 9 min
“Answering Your Questions About Mary and Her Immaculate Conception” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeGozn62hrU (Fr Mike Schmitz) – 8 min
“Do Catholics Worship Mary? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c6s0YT0F-U & “Part 2” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBKngnwhkH4 (uCatholic) – 3 min each
Read:
Catechism of the Catholic Church: Mary: Articles 487-511; Saints: Articles 823-829, 954-962
At Home with God’s People: “Mary, Mother of God” pp 79-91
“The Bible Supports Praying to the Saints” https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/the-bible-supports-praying-to-the-saints
Topic 3: The Christian Life - Catholic Morality
Watch:
“Formation of Conscience”
Catholic Central [6 min]
“The Way of Christ: the Christian Moral Life”
St Philip Institute [6 min]
“Catholic Social Teaching”
Catholic Central [7 min]
Read:
“Ethics & Morality - Introduction” section at Catholic Enquiry Centre
“Frequently Asked Questions” section at Catholic Enquiry Centre
Go further:
Watch:
“The Moral Virtues” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eLuZRxFUyw (The Thomistic Institute) - 8 min
“Catholic Morality 101” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3NU2mTFhy4 (Bishop Robert Barron) - 34 min
Read:
Catechism of the Catholic Church: Articles 1691-2547
At Home with God’s People: “The Moral Life” pp 179-186; “Law and Freedom” 187-192
Additional Topics
Read:
“Church Structure” at Catholic Enquiry Centre
“The Church’s Mission” section at Catholic Enquiry Centre
Watch:
“Understanding the Authority of the Catholic Church”
Ascension Presents [11 min]
“Why Catholics Have a Pope”
Fr Mike Schmitz [13 min]
“Science and Faith”
Restless Catholic [4 min]
“Why Catholics Use Scripture and Tradition”
Fr Mike Schmitz [12 min]
“Do Catholics Need to go to Church?”
Fr Rob Galea [4 min]
“The Liturgical Calendar”
Catholic Central [7 min]
“What is Purgatory?”
St Dominic Media [5 min]