The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) as a process in which participants "undergo conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."

Likewise, the language used in the RCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs. Catechumens are those people who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. Candidates are people who have been baptized in a Christian tradition but are seeking full communion in the Catholic Church through Confirmation and Eucharist.

Everyone is Welcome!
RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church. 

Adults or children over age seven who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.

Adults or children over seven who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way and sometimes shorter way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.  This shorter formation builds on the essentials of the faith we have in common with other Christians and emphasizes the fullness of the faith found in the Catholic Church.

RCIA is a Journey
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:

• Pre-Catechumenate
  This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
  
  
• Rite of Initiation
  The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshiping community.
  
  
• Catechumenate
  The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions, and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
  
  
• Rite of Election
  Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
  
  
• Sacraments of Initiation
  At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
  
  
• Mystagogy
  This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means "leading into the mystery" in Greek and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.

Parish RCIA Team
People journeying through the RCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The parish RCIA team helps guide, support, and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community. Members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

If you want to learn more about Jesus and His Church, come! 
Do you know Jesus personally? Do you know where the Catholic Church comes from and its purpose in your life? If you are curious about learning more about Jesus and the Catholic Church, we’d like you to consider attending some RCIA sessions. Whether you are already Catholic, a fallen away Catholic, or a practitioner of another faith or even a person of no faith, everyone is invited!

Have you ever thought about becoming Catholic? Are you Catholic but were never Confirmed? 
Maybe you married someone who is Catholic and you want to make that step to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. The Catholic faith is a rich and beautiful faith if we take the time to learn about the great love our Lord has for us through the Church.

Are you a practitioner of another faith? Catholic but not attending Mass? Or a Catholic and want to help others come back to the faith?
Then check out this link, watch some inspiring videos, and learn how God has a plan for you and your life!

Please contact the parish office to learn more. Classes begin each September; walk-ins are always welcome.