The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) welcomes all inquirers to the Catholic community and prepares them for full communion and reception of the sacraments. This ministry was specially developed to lead adults through the process of being baptized and becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church. This ministry is also open to those who have been baptized in other Christian traditions and who would like to become formal members of the Roman Catholic tradition.  We also welcome baptized Roman Catholics who have not been formally prepared as adult Catholics and who have not received Eucharist or Confirmation.

Besides the formal RCIA preparation, weekly Inquiry Meetings are offered for those who have questions or who would like to learn more in an informal setting.

Questions About R.C.I.A.

Q.) What is R.C.I.A.?

A.) R.C.I.A. stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It  is the formal way that the Church initiates new members.

Q.) Who is R.C.I.A. for?

A.) R.C.I.A. is for unbaptized persons seeking to enter the Catholic Church. It is also for people who have been Baptized but who have not received other Sacraments. R.C.I.A. is also the way that people from other Christian denominations become Roman Catholic.

R.C.I.A. may be For You!

Q.) Is R.C.I.A. like C.C.D.?

A.) No! R.C.I.A. is a  process of asking questions, faith-sharing, prayer, special events and some instruction. The emphasis is on spiritual growth rather than book knowledge.

Conversion to Christ Through His Church

Q.) When does R.C.I.A. begin and end?                                  

A) R.C.I.A. does not have a scheduled beginning. The process begins when someone feels ready to explore the idea of becoming Catholic through dialogue with the pastor, R.C.I.A. director and R.C.I.A. Team. The process continues based on personal readiness as discerned by the individual and Team. The process formally ends when the person is initiated through Baptism or the other Sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

 R.C.I.A. Is Only The Beginning !!

 Receiving Baptism, Eucharist or Confirmation is not an end. It is the beginning of life as a  member of The Body of Christ,  His Church.  The R.C.I.A. process  is about discovering Jesus Christ as God, His Church and YOU!

 If you feel God is inviting you or someone you love to explore becoming Catholic, we at St. Mary’s want to encourage you to TRY Our R.C.I.A. Process.  We are here to help in any way.

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