A Eucharistic Community joined to worship, serve and know God.

RCIA

 

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

 What is RCIA?

                The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the official process which the church uses in bringing the Good News of Jesus as understood in the traditions of the Roman Catholicism to educated adults.

                The RITE is a prescribed form of ceremony or a ritual.  Actually the RCIA is a series of ceremonies built around the study of the scriptures and the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.  The ceremonies mark the various stages which those who are considering entrance into the church and those who actually choose to enter the church will go through.

                The CHRISTIAN is a process by which we join ourselves more fully to Jesus the Christ.  We are many things, we are fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters.  We are workers and students and retired senior citizens.  We are tall and short, small and large, men and women, black, white, red, yellow and so many others.  But most importantly we are or want to be, followers of Jesus of Nazareth.  We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one of God, the Son of God and the second person of the Blessed Trinity.

                Jesus is the reason for our Church and the reason for the RCIA.  Everyone involved in the process, regardless of whether they enter the church or not, are called to go through a conversion experience.  We are called to become one with Christ.  To be a Christian, means more than just being baptized.  It means living a life which is led by Jesus alone.

                With RCIA, INITIATION has two very specific meanings.  The first is “the teaching of the fundamentals of a specific group or organization.”  In this case the Roman Catholic Church.  In a very clear way, the Roman Catholic Church can trace her beginnings back to St. Peter and the apostles.  Our faith is based on the revelation of God as seen through the Scriptures and traditions which have endured for the last two thousand years.   Initiation also refers to the steps or Sacraments which lead to full membership within the church.  These sacraments are: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

                 Finally, this process is specifically designed for ADULTS.

Who is RCIA for?

           The answer is EVERYONE.  Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Roman Catholic faith, is welcome to join us.

  1. Those who have never been baptized.
  2. Those who were baptized in another Christian church.
  3. Those who were baptized in the Roman Catholic Church but never received Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
  4. Those who are fully initiated Roman Catholics who would like to grow in their own understanding of the Church.  Those who are looking to experience the beauty of a conversion of heart.  Those who would be willing to walk with those who are seeking to join us, and walk with them as sponsors and as friends.

 

How do I begin?

                We begin with a series of inquiry sessions in which we tell our stories and give you the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and observations, and spend some time deciding just what the Lord is calling you to do at this point in your life. 

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