The RCIA Process

The Rite of Christian Initiation is for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help, they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time, will receive the sacraments fruitfully.

RCIA Terminology
If you are not baptized, you are known as a Catechumen. After being presented to the Bishop at the beginning of Lent, a catechumen becomes a member of the Elect. At the Easter Vigil, the Elect are baptized, confirmed and celebrate their First Eucharist.

If you were baptized in another Christian tradition, you are known as a Candidate. Since Scripture says we serve “one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism,” we welcome you as our brother or sister in Christ. At the Easter Vigil, our Candidates make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church, are confirmed, and celebrate their First Eucharist.

If you were baptized Catholic and have not celebrated Eucharist and/or Confirmation, you are known as a Confirmand.

The Process
The RCIA process is for those interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. For those who choose, the process leads to full initiation in the Catholic Church through the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist. The journey for a catechumen and candidate is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful.

Persons in the RCIA program usually celebrate the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil, however the journey varies according to individual needs and Sacraments can be celebrated throughout the year.

Participation in RCIA does not mean that you have to become Catholic. Most discern that God is calling them to join the Church. Others take more time to discern this call. Others discern that they aren’t called to be Catholic. We believe that it is in the Catholic Church that the fullness of Christianity resides and we pray that we will have the opportunity to show the beauty of this faith with you.