The Church is the means by which salvation is available to the world. Participation in the Church formally begins with Baptism, as commanded by Jesus: Go, therefore andmake disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)
This initiation requires preparation, of body and soul. We call this process RCIA.
What is RCIA?
RCIA is the process by which adults, whether unbaptized or baptized in another Christian tradition become members of the Catholic Church.
What happens during RCIA?
The RCIA takes place within the context of the parish community, and after a suitable period of formation, culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Formation includes several areas with the goal of engaging the individual in their lived faith:
- Scripture: the stories of God’s people
- Teaching: what Catholics believe
- Prayer: how we develop our relationship with God
- Liturgy: how the community worships
- Mission: how we live out what we believe
Who belongs in the RCIA program?
The RCIA process is for adults who….
- Are unbaptized and want to become Catholic Christians though the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
How to begin?
God calls, and we respond. With the process of Christian Initiation, men and women at all stages of their faith journey come together in a non-threatening and non-pressured atmosphere to learn more about the Catholic Church. R.C.I.A is a year-round program and inquiring adults are welcomed into the process at any time. There is no firm ‘start date’ for participating. The RCIA provides a forum for shared spiritual growth, and means to explore the Catholic Christian tradition through the scripture, sacraments, church teaching, and social outreach, all in the midst of the Catholic faith community.