Are you considering becoming Catholic or know someone who is? Are you an adult needing Baptism, Communion or Confirmation? If yes to any of these, we are eager to meet you, welcome you, and share the Catholic faith and its rich and beautiful history and tradition. We want to help you explore your questions about God and what He wants for your life.

We are beginning a new (adult) group in August, 2020.
We meet Sundays, 10:20 a.m. – 11:20 a.m. in Elmer Hall. 
 

R.C.I.A - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 

The RCIA process is the primary way adults are welcomed as new members of the Church.   The Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) incorporate us into Christ's body (The Church)  and form us into God’s people.

Through RCIA, persons encounter Jesus by pondering and studying scripture and immersing themselves in the Tradition of the Catholic Christian community. The Church has designed the RCIA process to help women and men respond to the prompting of God’s Spirit.  RCIA helps bring people into community and fellowship in Jesus Christ, to know personal holiness and to engage in loving service to God and to others.

What is the Process?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines faith as “a personal adherence of man to God. At the same time, and inseparably, it is a free assent to the whole truth that God has revealed.” ( CCC, 150).  Thus, coming to faith is not merely an academic exercise of attending classes.  It is first and foremost a development of a personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ.  Our doctrines, rituals, devotions, and traditions, both illumine and help to shape one’s faith and one’s initiation into a community of believers.

A person seeking the Christian faith in the Roman Catholic tradition will embark on a process of learning, prayer and engagement with other learners, a journey which can be summarized as follows:

• Period of Inquiry – the purpose of this first period is a time to build trust, to share stories, ask questions, foster initial conversion and be introduced into parish life. 
• Period of the Catechumenate – the second period of the process is the time where one’s faith and conversion is deepened, while being immersed into the community through: studying scripture (The Liturgy of the Word); learning about and experiencing Catholic Traditions and doctrines; actively participating in the life of the community; prayer and worship; and introduction to living as a disciple of Jesus.  
• Period of the Purification and Enlightenment – the third period is a time to focus on eliminating what is weak and sinful and affirming what is Holy.  This period occurs in the season of Lent.  It is a time for recollection and final preparation for the celebration of the sacraments of initiation.
• Period of Mystagogy – the final period in the RCIA process is a celebration of faith, ministry and being co-missioned to live a new life in Christ.  From Easter to Pentecost, the newly initiated focus on deepening his / her sacramental life with emphasis on the Gospel message, Eucharist and mission.

How to get Started

Remember that RCIA is a process, not a program.  This means that throughout the process you will be both learning and discerning.  Beginning the process does not require that you "complete" the process at Easter by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation.  Together with your sponsor/godparent, the RCIA team and the Holy Spirit, you will have opportunities to discern where God is calling you along the way. The process generally takes about a year and a half, but how long it will take for you is discerned through the inquiry process, including completing the form below and a meeting with the RCIA Director or member of the RCIA Team.

Help us to learn more about you and your journey by submitting the appropriate form. Online forms are linked below, but you can also download and print forms from the left sidebar. All information will be held in confidence.

• Adult Inquirer Information Form
• Child/Teen Inquirer Information Form & Parents' Active Participation Form (to be completed by parent)

 

RCIA Team

Welcoming new people and those who have been away from the Church back home is one of the most rewarding and exciting opportunities as a Catholic.  If you believe that God may be calling you to this ministry, whether as a catechist, sponsor or coordinator, please submit the form on our RCIA team page.  We are in need of team members to serve RCIA catechumens and candidates of all ages: children, teens and adults.