How Does One Become Catholic?

The process of welcoming those who wish to enter the Catholic Church is the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. Classes meet once a week at the Parish Center from 7:30pm-9:00pm.

Classes start in September. However, at any time of year we encourage you to contact us so that we can meet you, answer your questions, discuss your spiritual formation, and provide you with resources to use while waiting for the next RCIA program to begin.

< Download the RCIA registration form. >

RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Some people become a Catholic gradually. They were baptized as infants, grew up in Catholic homes, received a religious education, and gradually shared in the sacraments of the Church.

Other Catholics came to the Church as adults, sometimes already baptized, sometimes having received a religious formation in another faith.

They may have been contacted by a Catholic but they probably made the first move by talking to a priest or someone else about the Church.

The Church wants to welcome all adults who are interested in the Catholic faith.

For those who think they might wish to become Catholic, the Church's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) provides for the whole process of preparing adults for initiation into the Catholic Church. It is often referred to as the "catechumenate".

The catechumenate is an extended period of instruction, of listening to the Scriptures, of praying and observing how Christians actually live their faith.

It provides an opportunity for deepening one's understanding of the Gospel message, for spiritual renewal and for direct contact with members of the local church.

The catechumenate is a process, which prepares persons for full membership in the Catholic Church. It includes various rites that are celebrated on the way to full membership in the Catholic Church. These rites mark the spiritual growth of the candidates and visibly express the community's concern for them.

What Are the Stages of the Christian Initiation of Adults?

1. Period of Inquiry: (Evangelization)
   The first stage is the period of inquiry. During this time Inquirers reflect on the Gospel message and the ways in which they can apply it to their own lives. It is a time for questions and finding out more about the Catholic Church and the value of faith.
    
2. Period of Teaching: (Catechumenate)
   Those who profess their faith in Jesus and desire to continue their journey toward full membership in the Catholic Church then move to their next phase where most of the teaching takes place. With the help of a sponsor and members of the community, the candidate learns about the Church as a community. This period begins with a rite, which marks the formal entrance into the catechumenate.
    
3. Purification and Enlightenment
   At the beginning of Lent the Church calls those who are ready to make final preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation, which will be received at the Easter Vigil Mass. This calling takes place in the special Rite of Election.
     
   During Lent the parish community joins the candidates in their preparation, and together they continue the journey toward the celebration of Easter.
    
   Ordinarily the sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are celebrated at the Easter Vigil liturgy. Christians who are already baptized may be formally received into full communion with the Catholic Church at this liturgy.
    
4. Post-baptismal Catechesis (Mystagogia)
   A period of fifty days from Easter to Pentecost completes the initiation process. It is a special time for the newly received to find a place in the community. This is the time for unfolding the meaning of the Easter Sacraments.