The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a faith journey of prayer and catechesis for those interested in becoming member of the Catholic Church.  The process of initiation has two goals; personal commitment to Christ and therefore, to a way of life based on the Gospel; and second, integration into the Catholic community with the institution of sacraments.

The RCIA is an opportunity for you to explore the richness of the Catholic Church, its beliefs, traditions and practices.  This process will guide those “from the awareness of the stirring of faith and curiosity within one’s heart, to a life of faith, love, and justice lived in communion with Catholics throughout the world.”  There are four main phases to the journey and at each step the there is time and space to decide if continuing on the journey is what is desired.

• Inquiry/Pre-catechumenate – Ongoing, welcoming and sharing your story of faith.
• Catechumenate – Period of apprenticeship where nurturing and growth of the catechumen’s faith and conversion to God is mentored by the community.
• Enlightenment – Time of reflection and preparation for reception of sacraments.  This takes place during the Lenten season and culminates at the Easter Vigil.
• Mystagogia – Reflecting on the reception of sacraments and live out the mystery of Eucharist in the community.  It begins at Easter Season and continues through the following Lent.

If you are consciously and freely seeking the living God and desire to enter the way of faith through the Catholic community, for information and registration, call Angel McGrady at
597-4249 ext. 17 or Mary Superata extension 29.