THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults , also known
as the RCIA. is a process (process meaning a life long experience) for adults seeking to join the Catholic Church. People come together on Tuesday evenings from all different faith traditions as well as the unbaptized seeking to find a spiritual home.

The Christian Initiation process is also a place for people that were not baptized Catholic as infants and have never received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. The RCIA gives those involved the opportunity to meet with other Catholics and to learn about the faith and the beliefs of the Church. There is also an opportunity to learn about the Sacraments, the Bible, history, traditions and teachings of the Church.

By our Baptism as Catholics we are called to share the “Good News” with others and this can be done in the ministries of initiation which are always open to others who wish to live out their baptismal commitment. Catechist and dismissal leaders are always needed. People are need to help as greeters, party planners, office help and a variety of other ministries including sponsoring of seeking membership in the church.

This is also a family experience for children of school age that have not yet been baptized. To be involved in the Family Catechumenate a youngster must have attended one year of religious education in the parish. In the second year they continue to participate in their grade level of religious education as well as take part in the Family Catechumenate, which includes Sunday dismissals and once a month family sessions.