The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This initiation process also inloves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a "spiritual journey." Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church He founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. The RCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the apostles. It was the early Church's way of Christianizing the pagan Roman Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.

 Who is RCIA for?

• Persons in need of Baptism
• Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic
• Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and Confirmation

What is a Year-Round (continuous) catechumenate?
The RCIA describes an initiation process that exists at the heart of the Church's life and on the same schedule as the Church: every day, all year long. 

• We welcome people into the process when they are ready to begin due to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
• We teach the truths of the faith in alignment with the Sunday Gospel. This is called liturgical catechesis.
• Our parish becomes more engaged in the RCIA process, due to more rites shared during various Sunday Masses.

When do we gather?
The first step, known as Inquiry (or the Precatechumenate), runs for 14 weeks at a time and is held three times each year. Our next session begins in January/February 2022.

Classes for the Catechumenate are on Sunday immediately following the 9:30am Mass and on Tuesday from 6:30pm-8:00pm. We gather in Classroom1 on the 2nd floor of the Parish Center.

How do I start?
Contact Kimberly McFadden via email or by calling the Faith Formation office at 830-625-4531, ext. 201 for additional information.