Congratulations on having the courage to take the first steps in finding out more about what the Catholic Church teaches about God, Jesus Christ, ourselves and the meaning of our lives. Perhaps you have been thinking about the deeper questions of life and faith for many years, perhaps you have a Catholic friend or relative which sparked interest in you, perhaps you went to Catholic school or were baptized as a child but never made your first holy communion. Perhaps you grew up in a different Christian tradition or different religion. Maybe you’re still deciding whether or not you are ready to become Catholic, maybe you’re already 100% sure. But wherever you are on your faith journey, please know that you are very welcome to take the next steps and join the RCIA process!
RCIA stand for the “Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults” is the ordinary pathway by which adults become members of the Catholic Church. You can think of RCIA as a combination of a training plan, a time of discernment and a time of deepening in faith and deepening in your relationship with God. There are three main components of the RCIA process: (1) Catechetical or intellectual, which is studying what Catholics believe and why, (2) Spiritual, about growing in your relationship with God and sharing in the fellowship of the Christian Community and (3) Liturgical, which is about participating in Sunday Mass (the high point of our week) and the ceremonies which mark the journey towards becoming Catholic. All of these preparations culminate in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Holy Communion, typically received at Easter.
How long does the process take?
That answer has a lot to do with where you are on your journey of faith. There is no pressure in this process we want you to come to know and love Jesus Christ and His Church when you are ready.
RCIA classes are on Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM. If one’s schedule does not permit attendance at that time another time can be arranged. If you are longing to fill an emptiness, or seeking a way home, we invite you to seek the peace that only comes from God.
