The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which the Catholic faith community welcomes those who wish to become full members of the Catholic Church. It is designed for:
those who have never been baptized
those who were baptized in another Christian tradition
baptized Catholics who did not receive Eucharist and/or Confirmation
The RCIA process facilitates a person’s journey with God in the context of a welcoming faith community, as he or she learns more about Scripture and Catholic beliefs and traditions. The goal is living a sacramental life that conforms to the Gospel of Jesus Christ by means of full initiation into the Catholic Church.
The RCIA experience can vary from one person to another in terms of the length of time it takes to complete the process. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to the RCIA because it is about the spiritual formation of the individual, and since people come to the program with different backgrounds, needs, expectations, stories, and levels of religious instruction, and because the program can accommodate both the unbaptized (participants are called catechumens) and the baptized (participants are called candidates), there is a necessary element of flexibility and adaptation.
It is highly recommended that you contact us to discuss your particular situation and what the RCIA process would involve for you based on your circumstances. In general terms we can at least say that the program involves...
...weekly or nearly weekly meetings that are usually held on Monday nights from 7:00-8:15pm, and from late September until April;
...some rites that are celebrated in the context of Mass and the faith community;
...your decision to make a commitment to the process of faith formation;
If you are drawn to the Catholic faith, or if you would simply like to learn more about the RCIA program, please contact our Pastoral Associate, Joel S. Peters, by phone at 201-337-7596, ext. 315, or by e-mail here.