Christian Initiation of Adults 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process through which interested adults are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. Children seven years of age or older who were not baptized as infants are also initiated through an adapted process of this Rite. The RCIA is also the process for people that were baptized in another Christian faith tradition but now desire to participate in the Catholic sacramental life. In the RCIA you will experience Catholic Christianity – who we are, what we believe, how we pray, and how we live our lives as a community of believers. The RCIA process is a period of reflection, prayer, instruction, discernment, and formation.  But this spiritual journey is more than just faith formation – at its core, the RCIA is a journey of conversion and relationship with Jesus Christ and his Church. The RCIA process is ongoing and offered year-round.  This journey of faith begins when you are ready to begin.  There is no set timetable and the people on this journey are encouraged to take as much time as they need.

How do you get started?
Each person begins with an initial meeting with the RCIA coordinator. There generally are four periods on the RCIA journey.   However, each person's journey of faith is different and unique to them and may not follow the timeline of steps listed.  If you want to learn more or think you are being called to become Catholic, contact the parish office to join with others who are interested in experiencing what being Catholic is all about.

First Period: Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate

In this first period, the parish community is proclaiming the Gospel and Jesus Christ, leading to faith and initial conversion. Inquirers are introduced to the Christian Community. This is where those interested are welcomed and encouraged to make inquiries about the Catholic faith. Participants are invited to sessions where they are welcome to ask questions and fully discern if God is calling them to become a Catholic Christian.  Inquiry sessions will be held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the Month in the evening. If those days do not work - let us know and we can work with you. If you choose to move forward this period concludes with the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens or the Rite of Welcoming of Candidates. Those who enter the inquiry process are asked to begin attending Mass on Sundays.

Second Period: Catechumenate

This is a period of formation through catechesis, catechumens experience the Christian way of life through familiarity with the community, they participate in the liturgical life of the community, and they participate in the apostolic life of the Church. They are formed in the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospels and explore the traditions of the Catholic Church. If those who are at this stage choose to move forward, this period concludes with the Rite of Election. Participants who move into the catechumenate are asked to continue to attend Sunday Mass, where those who are not yet baptized will be dismissed after the readings to participate in a process called "Breaking Open the Word. " Those already baptized would stay through the entire Mass. All RCIA participants should expect to attend all the scheduled RCIA sessions, as well as all rites associated with the process. 

Third Period: Purification and Enlightenment

This phase usually coincides with Lent; although, for some who are already baptized, the time of year may be different. For the elect this is a period of prayer and retreat with a time for building strengths and overcoming weaknesses in the faith which culminates with the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism {if needed}, Confirmation, and Eucharist). Participants are asked to continue to attend Sunday Mass, the Breaking Open the Word sessions and they should expect to attend all the scheduled RCIA sessions, as well as all rites and retreats associated with the process.

Fourth Period: Mystagogy

Although this is the final stage of the process where the neophytes work toward a deeper understanding of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the journey of living out this new faith is just beginning.  This formal time of gathering is a time of reflection on what they have experienced and a time of direction and beginning the process of living out their new faith. After Easter, there is a period of coming together to reflect on the meaning of living the Christian life. It is also a time for discerning gifts and finding the most appropriate way of putting those gifts at the disposal of the community.

Rite of Christian Initiation Adapted for Children

The Children’s Initiation process is available for any child who is age seven and older who are not baptized or who was baptized in another Christian tradition.
Children will gather with the Initiation team (typically in late August or early September) to begin the RCIA journey adapted for children. In this process, children grow in God’s love, hear the Word of God, nurture a relationship with the faith community and experience the basics of our faith which lead to being a disciple of Christ. Children celebrate all of the Rites along with the adults.