2003

Thursday 11th September 2003
State Conference in Hunter to Focus on Welcoming New Catholics
Why do people decide to become Catholics these days? And what kind of parish communities are new Catholics being welcomed into? These and other questions will be discussed this weekend at a statewide conference hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

The 2003 "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults" Conference for NSW-ACT will be held at St John's Centre, Morpeth from Friday September 12 until Sunday September 14.

Conference Chairperson, Mrs Loretto Lynch of East Maitland, describes the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (known as RCIA) as "a process where interested people learn about the Catholic tradition in order to discern whether they wish to become members of the Catholic community.

"The RCIA is primarily a journey of faith," says Mrs Lynch, "from the awareness of stirring of faith and curiosity within one's heart, to a life of faith, love, and justice lived in communion with Catholics throughout the world."

"The conference aims to provide resources and support for Parish RCIA Teams - the teams who companion and share the faith journey of those interested in becoming Catholic."

Mrs Lynch says that building welcoming communities and involving every parishioner in the ongoing faith life of those who are initiated into the Catholic faith is the focus of the conference.

Approximately 120 delegates who are involved in parish RCIA teams representing nine dioceses in NSW and the ACT will attend the conference. Dioceses participating include Armidale, Bathurst, Broken Bay, Canberra-Goulburn, Lismore, Parramatta, Sydney, Wollongong and Maitland-Newcastle.

Dominican Sister, Veronica Rosier OP is the conference keynote speaker. She has a doctorate in liturgical studies from the Catholic University of America and teaches liturgy and sacramental theology at the Australian Catholic University in Sydney and throughout Australia. Dr Rosier is also a member of the National Liturgical Commission of the Australian Catholic Bishops and is widely involved in liturgical formation.

Most Reverend Michael Malone, Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle will preside at the Saturday evening Mass and attend the conference dinner afterwards.

Past NSW-ACT RCIA State Conferences have been hosted by Parramatta, Canberra-Goulburn and Wollongong dioceses.

All media are welcome to attend the Conference at St John's Centre, Morpeth.

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