RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults

RCIA is the place to ask the hard questions about the Catholic Faith. "Why do Catholics follow the Pope? Why does the Church not endorse same sex marriage? Why do I have to go to a priest for confession? Why do Catholics pray to saints? What's the deal with Mary??"

There are so many misconceptions about the Catholic Church and her teachings. We challenge you to get your information strait from the Catholic horse's mouth.

RCIA is open to anyone who comes in good faith to learn more about the Catholic faith. RCIA is also open to practicing Catholics who want to learn more about what they believe but aren't sure where to start.

Come to our First Class September 14th at 6:00PM at

St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church.

Registration

You Don't know what you're missing

periods of rcia

Inquiry

The first step of RCIA, during which the inquirer can explore Catholicism without fully committing to entering the church. The goal is for the inquirer to have full knowledge of the faith so they can make a fully conscious and free choice to enter the church.

Catechumenate

Catechumen means “ a person receiving instruction.” During this period, you will study and discuss most of the Church’s main teachings. Your sponsor (a Catholic who will support you and present you to the Church) will join you on your journey from this point on.

Purification and Enlightenment

This period occurs during the weeks before Easter and will include several rites. This time is more prayerful than instructional. It is a time of deeper spiritual preparation for the sacraments.

On the night of the Easter Vigil, those who have completed their preparation enter the Catholic Church through the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Mystagogy

This is the final period of RCIA. It usually lasts a few weeks from Easter to Pentecost. It is a time to reflect on the mysteries of the sacraments and to begin living out your new Catholic Faith in a meaningful and practical way.

Common Questions

1.) What is RCIA?

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process through which unbaptized adults, and adults of other faith traditions, are formed in the Teachings, Traditions and practices of Catholicism. At the Easter Vigil (March 30 2024), Catechumens and Candidates will become Catholic and enter the Catholic Church.

2.) What happens in RCIA?

RCIA classes teach the core tenets of the Catholic Faith and aid you in building a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Through a series of weekly classes, we will cover a wide overview of the Catholic faith and discuss in depth the claims that Catholicism makes of being the Church that Christ established. Every week we will cover a different topic of Catholicism starting with dinner from 6:00PM to 6:30PM.

3.) What is a Catechumen and a Candidate?

A Catechumen is someone who is in need of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation. A Candidate is a Christian adult who has already received Baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but is in need of First Communion and Confirmation.

4.) What is a Sponsor?

A sponsor is a confirmed Catholic who is in Good Standing in the Catholic Church. The sponsor must be over the age of 16.

The sponsor will attend classes and certain rites with you throughout the year. They will be support you through the journey of joining the Catholic Faith.

5.) When do RCIA classes meet?

RCIA will meet Thursday Evenings from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Occasional Sundays. For 2023 Classes begin September 14th.

Dinner: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Class: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

6.) How long does RCIA last?

Classes begin In September and will go until April 24th. Catechumens and Candidates will receive their Sacraments at the Easter Vigil, which is March 30th 2024.

7.) How do I register for RCIA?