Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

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What is RCIA?

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

The RCIA process is the Catholic Church's way of welcoming and assisting those who inquire about the Catholic faith and are searching for meaning and direction. It is a continuation of one’s journey of faith and is divided into various stages, which help foster the conditions in which conversion might occur. This is done with the help of a qualified parish community team.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a result of the mandate from Vatican Council II calling for the restoration of the catechumenate process of the early Church. This is expressed in the Decree on the Church's Missionary Activity. The RCIA was prepared by and through the Congregation for Divine Worship, approved by Pope Paul VI in 1972 and approved for use in the United States in 1974. In 1986 the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops approved the ritual edition of the RCIA for use in the United States which included additional rites for both the baptized and unbaptized.

Participants in past R.C.I.A. classes have come from many different backgrounds, yet all have a common interest in learning about the Catholic Faith.

The RCIA is a journey of faith

• Through the initial stages of asking and seeking,

• Through beginning involvement with Christian/Catholic people,

• Through hearing the Gospel proclaimed and by faithful reflection and prayer on this Word of God,

• Through doubts and hesitations,

• Through discernment of God's call for them as individuals,

• Through the steps of commitment,

• Through the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist)

The RCIA is for adults who

• Are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church,

• and have never celebrated Baptism

• or have celebrated Baptism in another faith and are interested in the Catholic Church,

• or are baptized Catholics who have not yet received Eucharist or Confirmation,

• or are married to a Catholic and attend Mass but just don't know what the next step is to become one of the Catholic faithful.

• Initiation Sacraments for Unbaptized Adults

• Full Communion (Confirmation/Eucharist) for baptized Catholics

• & other validly baptized Christians

Contacts: Bro. Dave Meszaros - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Parish Office: (408) 262-2546

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