Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The RCIA as a rite, marks stages along the path to full commitment in the Roman Catholic Church; the RCIA as a process, describes in broad terms what this gradual commitment means.
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” (Proverbs 8:17). Each year, many adults are called to join the Catholic faith. How does someone join the Catholic Church? Through a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
RCIA is the process in which adults become full, participating members of the Catholic Church. Participants, known as catechumens, go through a process of studying the Scriptures, nurturing their relationship with God, becoming familiar with the Catholic teachings and practices, professing their faith in Jesus and the Church, and receiving the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.
Who can join?
The Church extends an invitation to all who wish to become members of the Catholic faith.
Those who go through the RCIA process fall under one of the following categories:
- Someone who is of another faith and wishes to convert to Catholicism.
- Someone who was baptized in another Christian denomination and wishes to become a member of the Catholic faith.
- Someone who was baptized in the Catholic Church, but never received the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
The RCIA contains three major Rites:
- The Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens/Rite of Welcome
- The Rite of Election (and call to Continuing Conversion)
- The Rite of Initiation
When does the RCIA begin?
The RCIA usually begins during the first part of September and continues until the Easter Vigil when the catechumens are baptized or received into full communion with the Catholic Church.
For more information contact the parish office at
321-727-1565