LEARN ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC R.C.I.A.

QUESTIONS ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC, OR JUST CURIOUS?

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA, is the avenue in which one is accompanied on the road to becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ, and learning how we live out this life of discipleship through prayer, practice, and in authentic faith, hope and love.  


Please reach out so we can help you begin this next part of your journey into the Catholic Faith.  Envelope  | Phone

  • Tuesday Evenings | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm in the Parish Hall 


    Especially in light of todays world events and circumstances, we recognize that one, life is fragile, and two, we are not in control in the grand scheme of things.  However, God uses situations such as these to somehow reveal His presence with us in the midst of it all.  In the RCIA, our goal is to share the story of a God who loves each of us so intensely, and has created us out of that very love to be in relationship with Him, in His fullness.  So often though, we tend to want God to work on our terms instead of truly meeting Him on His terms.  In this story, God proves His love for us by becoming one with us in history and in our humanity in Jesus Christ, who freely offered himself for our redemption and salvation, and invites us to share in His resurrected life as we all await the fullness of God's recreation, or as scripture says, so that we “may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10) and that His "kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). 


    So, whether you are coming from a background of a different religion or no religion,  or are a baptized Christian from another denomination, RCIA is the place for you!!  Additionally, if you were baptized Catholic, but never attended any type of faith formation, or additional sacramental preparation, this would also possibly apply to you.  The first step is to contact us: 


    RCIA Administrator: emailPhone


    Our sessions are ongoing throughout the year, so you are never "too late" to become a part of RCIA.  

    Each person's journey is unique, as is each person by God's design! 


    Sign Up Online   FlockNote Current Schedule


  • TBD | Scheduled according to Need


    Sometimes we are not ready when our children are infants to commit to the life that Jesus is calling us into.  But now is the time, and we want to make this right with God and for the sake and salvation of our children.  If your child is 7 or above, and is not currently baptized, RCIA is the proper way to prepare them for a life of living as a Disciple of Jesus Christ.  


    Is my child ready?

    The real question at this level is, for you parents, are you yourself an active disciple of Jesus Christ, and a willing participant in the Sacraments?  If you are unsure, that is ok!  We can take some time to talk about where you are at and where you want you and your children to be, and as wise priest once said, "We have the technology to fix this!" Please contact the Formation Office for more information. email |   Alternate Mobile


  • Godparent/Sponsor Information Sessions: TBD | Scheduled as Needed


    Godparents/sponsors have a special relationship to the person who is to be baptized or confirmed. A godparent/sponsor serves as a model of Christian living for the individual he/she is serving, as that person is renewed and strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit. If you are wondering who to ask to be a Godparent or a sponsor for you or for your child, please recognize that this is a very high honor, but also a request of great responsibility for the person fulfilling this role.  If you have been asked to be a Godparent or Sponsor, please click on the links below and fill out the necessary requested  information. 


    Sponsor Paperwork: When picking a Godparent or Sponsor, please have them fill out the paperwork below.

    Sponsor Information Form | Letter of Good Standing


    What does it take to be a good Godparent or Sponsor?

    This information is from the ACMRCIA.ORG website:

    • Pray for them regularly.
    • Exchange telephone numbers and email addresses with them.
    • Ask them to notify you or a team member in the event that he or she will miss a session.
    • If they miss an RCIA session, call afterwards to show concern.
    • Extend an invitation to attend Mass or other parish activities/ministries with you.
    • Introduce them to other parishioners.
    • Extend an invitation to attend a Catholic baptism, wedding, funeral, parish reconciliation service, or other liturgical event with you.  Allow time to discuss the experience before or after.
    • Offer to provide childcare sometime so that the person you are serving can have a special night out with his or her spouse.
    • Share good Catholic resources (books, magazines, CDs, DVDs), or go to a Catholic bookstore together to browse.
    • Suggest having a casual lunch or coffee or dessert together sometime.
    • Send a Christmas card, or give a small gift.
    • Prior to receiving baptism, the person you are serving will be asked to participate in the long-standing tradition of choosing a patron saint’s name from among the many saints of the Bible and the Church’s history. You can assist in this process in many ways, especially by praying for guidance, discussing your favorite saints, and helping them think about how to decide and to look for resources on saints.
    • Give an appropriate gift at the time of their initiation (patron saint medal, book on the chosen patron saint, rosary, etc.)
    • Remember the anniversary of their baptism or reception into the Church (card, note, phone call, etc.)
  • Q.  I want to marry a Catholic, and was told I need to become Catholic so we can have our marriage blessed by the church.  What do I need to do?


    A. Congratulations!  The short answer is no, you do not need to be Catholic in order to have a Catholic marriage ceremony.  There are many different issues and circumstances that will affect your planning in order to have a Catholic marriage, however, so please keep in mind that preparation generally takes one year to 18 months.  Contact the parish office as soon as possible!



    Q.  I’ve attended Mass with my family for 20 years.  Do I really need to do all this?


    A. It just depends.  Please call to talk to the director for more information.  

    Time spent in the RCIA process varies widely from person to person, and can be influenced by many factors.  

    Every person’s faith journey is different.


    How do I begin?


    A. Just call or email the Coordinator.  You will be invited to the next “Inquiry” session and/or asked to set up an “Initial Interview”.  You don’t need to bring anything!


    Q.  I’m already Baptized Catholic, and have received my First Communion many years ago, but need to be Confirmed.  Do I need to go through this whole process?


    A. Again, it depends.  Call the Office and get in touch with the director.  You might simply need to sign up for Adult Confirmation Sessions.  


  • FORMED ACCESS

    *You may need to create an account for FORMED, as it is an external site, run by the Augustine Institute. Access is offered through membership of the parish.  If you need help creating an account, please click here.


    Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained


    Knowing the Faith.   Knowing the Faith Study Guide


    Living the Faith.        Living the Faith Study Guide



    Please note, the resources here are not substitutes for RCIA or preparing for becoming Catholic.  They are accessible resources available for you to learn and reflect upon in addition to your journey into understanding more the Catholic Faith.  Additionally, these episodes are meant to be viewed in order as they build upon each other in a systematic way.  

The Journey of RCIA

What is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults?


The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a process by which adults are initiated into our Roman Catholic Church.  This process is a journey of continuous conversion and relationship with God and with His Church.  

It draws from the Catechumenal model of the ancient Church, which includes a series of carefully planned stages, 

marked by liturgical rites in the presence of the whole community.  

As with any authentic relationship, deep commitment is a must, 

especially in a day and age that is often at conflict with what we believe as church and what society believes.  


The RCIA process is about allowing our wills to be conformed to God’s will for our lives, 

ultimately, our sanctification, so we might share in His own blessed life. (CCC#1)


For those already Baptized in a Christian tradition, you are still invited into the RCIA sessions and process.  

However, your journey will be a bit different, in that, for one: you are already Baptized, and as Catholics, Baptism is a permanent disposition if done with water and in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  




Stages of the RCIA Journey


"Just Meeting"

Do I want, and/or am I able  

to commit to further study?


What I need to do:

-  Begin attending inquiry sessions

-  Initial Interview with RCIA Director

-  Begin attending Mass


What We Will Do:

-  Help Find a parish sponsor

-  Answer your questions

-  Begin any paperwork needed

    for sacramental issues

    that must be resolved


This period ends with:

- Discernment with the Director

- Rite of Acceptance and Welcome


“Committed relationship”

Who are you and who is the Church?



What I need to do:  

-  Begin attending Catechumenate Sessions

-  Attend Mass and Break Open

-  Ask Questions

-  Complete anynecessary sacramental

    paperwork


What We Will Do:

-  Answer your questions

-  Provide lessons on Catholic belief

     and doctrine

-  Support your faith journey


This period ends with:

-  Discernment with the Director

    and your sponsor

-  Rite of Sending & Rite of Election

    or Call to Continuing Conversion


"Engaged"

I'm ready, I just need to prepare


What I need to do:

-  Letting go of the old, 

    allowing God to make new

-  Attend Mass and Break Open

-  Open your heart to prepare to celebrate

    the Sacraments of Initiation


What We Will Do:

-  Answer your questions

-  Provide meaningful experiences

    to prepare for the celebration of

    the Sacrraments

-  Support your faith journey


This period ends with:

- Easter Vigil (Catechumenate/Elect)

- Profession of Faith/Confirmation

   First Communion at a specified time

   (Candidates)


"Married"

I'm Catholic, now what?


What I need to do:

-  Continue attending Mystagogy Sessions

-  Attend Mass

-  Ask Questions

-  Get more involved in Parish life

-  Continue feeding your faith


What We Will Do:

-  Answer your questions

-  Support your faith journey

-  Offer opportunities throughout

    the Neophyte year


This period ends with:

- A year after full initiation into the Church

-  Conversion and renewal is lifelong