RCIA

Are you thinking about becoming Catholic?

For those seeking to become Catholic – anyone never baptized or baptized in another Christian tradition – and for adult Catholics who were baptized but never journeyed further in receiving sacraments, the Rite of Christian Initiation is a beautiful experience to further spiritual growth. During this journey, people experienced the richness of the Catholic faith and were accompanied by those seeking to learn more about our beliefs and practices. This leads to receiving the sacraments of initiation that the individual needs: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

The journey

The journey begins with a period of Inquiry, during which someone coming into the Church brings questions to a relaxed environment. This period is designed to allow candidates to explore their faith within the context of Catholicism. Inquirers can join RCIA anytime, although we usually start new discussion sessions every fall. We work on God’s timeline, not our own. This is meant to be a time to become acquainted with the Catholic community and our values and practices. It is a time to nurture a relationship with God and to address questions, even if they will not all be answered immediately. It is a grand journey of faith.

When an inquirer feels ready to journey more profoundly, the next phase leads into a more structured study of the Catholic faith. This period is called the Catechumenate, during which those seeking full initiation into the Church are accompanied by a sponsor (sometimes called a godparent) to integrate Catholic teaching into one’s life.

The journey reaches its high point (although not its end) with the great Mass of the Easter Vigil when the elect receives the sacraments of initiation. The process continues through the Easter season with an opportunity to break open the mysteries of this new life, exploring what has happened and how to live out one’s faith further.

For more information or to register, don't hesitate to contact our Parish Office at (805) 927-4816 or email  [email protected].