Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process used by the Roman Catholic Church to initiate new members into the Catholic faith. The program is designed primarily for those who have not been baptized, Catholics who never received Communion or Confirmation, or those who belong to another church and wish to become Catholic. Meetings are held on Sunday mornings from December to April. 


Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is RCIA? It is the process used by the Roman Catholic Church to initiate new adult members into our church community. It is a journey of faith that enables growth through the help and support of the parish community. It is the way in which adults prepare for the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
• Who Participates in RCIA? Individuals never baptized who want to be Catholic, those baptized in another faith who desire full communion with the Catholic Church, and those who were baptized Catholic but have never received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
• How does RCIA Work? Like every journey, the RCIA journey is a process that takes some time and much personal reflection and discernment. Members meet weekly from late November until Holy Saturday with members of the parish RCIA team. Members seek answers to their questions, share their life stories and reflect on the place of God in their lives. The Catechumens those who have never been baptized and the Candidates those who were baptized at some point in their lives receive instruction in the faith, reflect more intensely on the Scriptures and commit themselves to praying and striving to live the gospel message of Jesus. Following their initiation and reception into the Church, the new Catholics come to a deeper appreciation of their faith and along with the parish, share fully in the sacraments.

• That conversion is central to initiation into faith in Jesus Christ.
• That conversion is a process and therefore cannot be rushed.
• That the conversion process involves learning about the faith and celebrating faith.
• That initiation of new members is the responsibility of the entire Parish Faith Community.
• That the truths of Christian faith are unfolded gradually.
• That this process integrates the Word of God within our daily life.
• Usually meetings begin in the fall/Sunday mornings at 10:00am.