RCIA

Where does RCIA start?  With God, that’s where.


We may like to think that it starts with ourselves, and that we go seeking God. Actually, it’s the other way around. God is looking for us.(Gen.3:8-9) 


“The desire for God is written on the human heart because man is created by God for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.” CCC #27


Faith is man’s response to this desire for God. Maybe prayer may waken that desire, or witnessing the life of a person living in faith, or a book, a movie, something one hears…God can reach us in many ways. However He has called you or me, how we respond to that call is faith.


Anyone who may be interested in exploring Catholicism may be responding to that desire for God written on their hearts. If you encounter people with that interest, always keep this in mind. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, you and I are just servants, here to guide an inquirer along the way. When people ask you about your faith, remember the words of Jesus; “do not be afraid” and speak up. Sometimes, all you need to do is to tell them to contact me, or get their contact info and I will reach them. That’s it.


This is God’s work, God’s plan of salvation that we are witnessing, living in, and showing the way to others as best we can. This is what we are called to do as people of faith.

Fill out our RCIA Inquiry form

All are 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 and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.


Adults or older children 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 older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.


RCIA is a Journey

The Rite of Christian Initiation for 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.


Right of Initiation

The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping 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.


Right 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, Eucharist and Confirmation.


Mystagogy

This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” 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.


RCIA Team


People journeying through the RCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The RCIA team of sponsors help guide, support and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team 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.

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