RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults

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 Vigils, Catechumens and Candidates will receive initiation into the Catholic Church.

Registration

Meal Donation

periods of rcia

Inquiry

During this period, anyone can test the waters of the Catholic Faith and ask questions about Catholicism.

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?

2.) What happens in RCIA?

RCIA classes help you to know the Catholic Faith and aid you in building a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Through a series of weekly classes, you are given the opportunity to learn about the Catholic Faith and decide if you are called to Full Communion in the Catholic Church. Every week a different topic of Catholicism will be explored through Scriptural study and class discussion. These classes help to discover the beauty and Truth of our Catholic Faith.

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 an active, confirmed Catholic who is in Good Standing in the Catholic Church. The sponsor cannot be a spouse and 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. Classes begin late August.

Dinner: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Class: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

6.) How long does RCIA last?

Classes begin late August and will run till mid May. Catechumens and Candidates will receive their Sacraments at Easter.

7.) How do I register for RCIA?