Rite of Christian Initiation – RCIA

 

Becoming Catholic:

Adult Education

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RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation, is a formation program for individuals interested in becoming Catholic. If you have not been baptized, the Christian Initiation process prepares you to become a Catholic Christian by celebrating what we call the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

If you have been baptized in another Christian tradition, the initiation process prepares you to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church by celebrating the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist or Holy Communion.

If you have a child over the age of 7 who is not baptized please contact the Religious Education Office. RCIA classes meet weekly. This process is the Church's way to initiate new members. The goal is to foster or deepen one's conversion in the community of the Church of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom that involves the preaching and teaching of the Gospel, prayer, spiritual direction, catechesis (passing on the tradition of the Church) and direct contact with the members of the Community. As a community, we are charged with the responsibility of sharing our life with new members and offering them support and encouragement as they make their faith journey. As a part of that support, we provide sponsors who can serve as spiritual companions for those who seek membership in the Catholic Community.

The RCIA program also provides various experiences in liturgical rites that are celebrated along the way to fulfill church membership. These rites mark the spiritual growth of the candidates and visibly express the community's concern for them.

RCIA is not another "process," but it is the very life of the Church; a necessary instrument of Church renewal given to us by the highest authority in the Church. The initiation of adults is for the life of the Church. Through RCIA, Catholics are given the opportunity to reflect in a very positive way on their own baptismal promises.

The RCIA journey of faith culminates during Holy Week with the Baptism or Profession of Faith of candidates during the Easter Vigil service. At that time, those who have made the entire journey of knowledge and spiritual growth through the preceding months are welcomed into the Church as full members of the faith community. Holy Week is a very special season in the Church, and a very fitting time for receiving new souls into the Body of Christ. However, it is only the beginning of a life lived in the holy endeavor to know Jesus Christ better and become more like Him in the service of others.

The journey of faith lasts a lifetime.



 

Questions? Please Contact

Deacon Doug at: Dcndougstaug@gmail.com

RCIA - Initial Interview Form for Adults

RCIA - Children Registration Form