If you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or the process of becoming Catholic, contact Carole Yaney in the parish office or fill out the form below.

Additional Adult Formation Programs:

• Small Faith Communities
• Bible Study
• Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)
• HeartsAFire Program

Additional links you may find interesting:

• Sacraments
• Baptism
• Confirmation
• Eucharist

Other Links

• Catechism of the Catholic Church
• Catholic Encyclopedia
• Catholic Dictionary
• Daily Reflections from Pope Francis

Children through Adult: For anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith and the process of becoming Catholic, contact Carole Yaney, Director of Formation.

What is RCIA?

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults 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."  

   

Both adults and older children are invited to participate in the RCIA process. RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with individuals who seek to have a relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Individuals who participate in the RCIA process include 
Catechumens, who are adults and children seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation, and Candidates, who are adults and children already baptized in a Christian tradition and who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through reception of the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. 

RCIA is a Journey

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over a period of time. It has several steps:

Pre-Catechumenate

This is the first phase in the RCIA process and is also known as the Period of Inquiry. During this phase, Inquirers encounter Jesus Christ through sharing stories, reading scripture, and having questions answered about the Catholic faith. The duration of this period is flexible.

Catechumenate

The Catechumenate is a time of further deepening a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church through prayer and weekly classes that focus on studying scripture, traditions, and doctrines of the Catholic faith. Catechumens and Candidates also participate in Sunday Mass each week. The duration of this period is typically about 6 months.

Purification & Enlightenment

Those preparing to enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil spiritually prepare to do so during the Period of Purification and Enlightenment which takes place during the season of Lent. It is a retreat-like period of spiritual formation. The duration of this period is typically about 2 months.

Initiation

Individuals who have already been baptized in another Christian tradition receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist, and individuals who are unbaptized receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, and are welcomed into the community of believers at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.

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. While mystagogy is a life long process, newly initiated individuals typically meet two to three times during the first year of their initiation.