Are you or someone you know interested in joining the Catholic Church?
Have you been away, and want to come back to the church and not sure how?
Do you have a non-Catholic family member or friend who would like to know more about the Catholic faith?
Were you baptized but did not receive First Communion or Confirmation?
Check out the following video if you’d like to learn more about what it means to be Catholic and why God might be calling you to the Catholic Faith.
Convinced: Why would anyone become Catholic?
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The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the Catholic Church’s way of welcoming new members. It can also be the path to prepare for First Eucharist and/or Confirmation for baptized Catholics. RCIA is much more than a program. It is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings one to Jesus Christ.
RCIA meetings occur weekly either in person or via Zoom.
Are you interested in learning more? Contact us here
Are you interested in learning more?
More on the RCIA
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults as a process in which participants "undergo…conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments…The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."
Likewise, the language used to describe the RCIA process is that of the early Church formation programs. Catechumens are those people who are seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through all of the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Candidates are people who have been baptized in a Christian tradition but are seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation.
All are Welcome!
RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians (including Catholics) who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church. During this process, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.
RCIA is a Journey
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that takes place many months. The sessions currently run from the beginning of October through to the Easter Vigil. We also meet at Ieast once after Easter. In the language of the early church, the RCIA has several steps:
Pre-Catechumenate
This is the earliest phase in the process; also known as the Period of Inquiry. Adults and older children acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
Rite of Initiation
The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.
Catechumenate
The Catechumenate is a time of learning and deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ. . This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, probing into our questions and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine.
Rite of Election
Catechumens and Candidates are received by the bishop and the community and begin final preparation to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are formally welcomed into the Catholic Church. They are in full communion with the community through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
Mystagogy
This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
RCIA Team
People journeying through the RCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The RCIA team of sponsors helps guide, support, and instruct those discerning whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team members share their faith with inquiring adults who are seeking more information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.
For more information on the RCIA Team, contact Ed Bernier at 860-918-0697 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
