We are all called by God to know him, love him and to serve him.
The greatest discovery that we can make is to realise that we are loved by God and that he has a plan for each of us.
Sharing the Christian faith helps us understand this more clearly.
If you want to find out more, we are here to talk with you, walk with you and support you.
You might wish to go to one of our local Catholic churches and attend a Mass there; you are very welcome to do this.
Don’t feel intimidated by not knowing when to stand, or sit or what to say – simply observe, listen and experience a Mass and all that around you.
You might like to introduce yourself to the priest or there are often parishioners at most church doors welcoming people in.
If you prefer not to, you don’t have to announce yourself. Just come and spend some time with God.
You are welcome.
"That is our Hope, written on our hearts. May we all receive the gift of true Hope and share it with others."
The Cathedral Church of St Mary is in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne on Clayton Street opposite Newcastle Central Station (postcode: NE1 5HH).
The Grade I listed building was consecrated 1860 and is a beautiful place to visit.
You can attend a Mass there or simply come and view the stunning stained glass windows, the choir gallery, the carved statues and neo-Gothic tile work.
There is a book and gift shop on site and also a Cloister cafe and restaurant – here you will find both quiet spaces and should you wish, others to speak to.
Are you looking to explore the Catholic faith?
Are you wondering about your relationship with God and not sure where to start? Join us on a journey and see if the Catholic Church can help your relationship grow. This may be the right path for you. It may even help you take the next steps towards coming into the Church.
Future First Steps courses will be advertised here.
RCIA or Journey in Faith is the programme local Catholic Churches use to help people find out more about the Church and discover what it means to be a Catholic. It can lead to becoming a full member of the Church. RCIA courses often start in the Autumn and run through till the following June.
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and is often also called Journey in Faith. It is indeed a journey – it is a gradual process that takes place within the community.
It is marked by different stages, with special Rites which mark entry to the next stage.
The first stage is one of initial thought and enquiry and is one where the person interested in becoming a Catholic thinks about making initial enquiries, and wants to find out more. It is a time of initial discovery and encounter with Christ, with the Church, and with other Catholics. It can be formalised by attending RCIA meetings or course sessions which, when the time is right, can lead to the next stage.
During the next stage the enquirer becomes a Catechumen or Candidate, and enters a period of more intense learning, study, formation and prayer.
The Rite of Election is a special service which marks the entry into this phase. This is on the first Sunday in Lent and is attended by people from all over the Diocese.
During Lent the catechumen or candidate goes through a final period of purification and enlightenment, ready for entry at the Easter Vigil.
In the final weeks candidates are presented with the Creed and Our Father.
At the Easter Vigil the Elect will receive the Sacraments of Initiation and become full members of the Catholic Church.
After the Vigil there is a further period – the Mystagogia, during which the new Catholics are invited to reflect on their experience, and during this period there is a special Mass of Welcome for them in the diocese.
Email: formation.mission@diocesehn.org.uk
Tel: 0191 243 3316 (office*) or 07375 934713 (mobile)
* Your call may be automatically diverted to the mobile number.
Admin office hours:
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm, excluding Bank Holidays.
