Please contact Sarah at the Parish Office to obtain the latest details on sessions and options.

Who is R.C.I.A. for?

• Adults never baptized who might desire to become Catholic
• Adults baptized in another Christian Church who might desire to become Catholic

What does the R.C.I.A. Formation consist of?

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) has five distinct phases of this process:

• Period of Inquiry – This initial period allows the “inquirer” to become acquainted with the Catholic Church, to hear the Good news of Jesus Christ and reflect on ones’ own life and the stirrings of the heart. This is a reflective period where individuals look at their own life story and begin to make connections with the gospel. This is a time for inquirers to explore questions they have about the Church.  The length of time this takes will vary from person to person. Some may discern that they are not ready to move forward at this time, while others will determine that they want to move to the next stage.

• Period of Catechumenate – Following the “Rite of Acceptance and Welcoming” (first stage of commitment) the “catechumen” partakes within instruction that deepens individual conversion and provides for more in-depth focus on the doctrines of the Catholic faith.

• Period of Purification or Enlightenment – The Rite of Election (second stage of commitment) marks a period of more intense spiritual preparation intended to purify the heart and mind of the “elect” as they prepare to receive the Sacraments in the Church. It is a time to deepen their knowledge of and relationship to Christ. During Lent, special prayers called scrutinies are offered for the elect.  Scrutinies are prayers for strengthening and purification from any past wrongdoing.

• Paschal Triduum and Sacraments of Initiation –  Joining with the Church community in the celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ in the Paschal  Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil) the “elect” are fully initiated into the Church through the reception of the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation (third stage of commitment).
  Those who have already been Baptized (whether Catholic or in another Christian tradition) will receive their Sacraments at some point in the weeks during the Easter Season (6 week period).

• Period of Mystagogy – Newly initiated Catholics continue to deepen their understanding of their new faith. This is a time to reflect on the sacraments and the teachings of the Catholic Church as well as understanding our involvement in the Mission of the Church  It is also a time to discern how best they can serve Christ through His church by becoming active in ministry.

If you are already baptized:If you were baptized in another Christian church, or if you were baptized Catholic, but have not been Confirmed nor received the Eucharist (or Confession), you will follow a process that will invite you into a deeper understanding of the Sacraments and Catholic way of life.

Candidates for reception into full communion with the Catholic Church will undertake a formation program to guide them in understanding the teachings and practice of the Catholic faith. This process may look similar to the one outlined above depending on your formation needs.

We are all at different stages in our faith journey, so this process may take longer for some than others. Candidates may be received into full communion by making a Profession of Faith and being Confirmed and receiving Eucharist. They may also be received into full communion at another time during the year, depending on the readiness of the individual, and the pastoral circumstances involved.

Next Steps:

Contact our Adult Faith Formation Coordinators who will meet with you to determine the next steps for you.  Since everyone’s situation is different, the individual circumstances and sacramental needs of each person will be assessed.  This is what determines the process to be followed, and can affect the time frame involved.