What
does 'RCIA" stand for?
R.C.I.A. stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of
Adults.
Why
do people become interested in the RCIA and in becoming
full members of the Catholic Church?
Although there are many reasons, some people become
interested in the RCIA when they come to milestones in their
lives. Some are planning weddings to Catholics & would
like to start their marriage with both partners being Catholic.
Some, who are already married, find that they would like
to be a family who 'prays together." Others have had
an experience, such as a medical problem or a prayer encounter
which leads them to find out more about their faith. Others
are baptized Catholics who may have missed the timetable
for confirmation and/or First Communion & who would
now like to celebrate those sacraments.
What kind of people are part of the RCIA process?
Any and all people who are interested in or curious about
Catholicism can come to the RCIA sessions. Those
who wih to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church may
choose to do so after inquiriy and discernment.
What
are the religious backgrounds of those who become part of
the RCIA?
Some have never been baptized. Some have been batized in
Christian faith traditions that are not Catholic. Some were
baptized Catholic but never celebrated First Communion and/or
Confirmation as Catholics.
What
happens at RCIA?
There
are weekly sessions for participants. The format includes
prayer, sharing, background on Catholic tradition &
teachings. In addition to the weekly sessions, there are
prayer experiences for some of the participatints which
take place at Sunday mass.
The
RCIA process is coordinated by a team of parishioners. Quite
often handouts are distributed, videos are shown, reference
material is recommended or guest speakers lead the sessions.
Thre are no tests nor is attendance taken.
What
if I am not sure I want to become Catholic?
for any decision in life, it is best to be informed about
the choices available. What better way than to be part of
a group discussing Catholicism? There is never any pressure
to join the Catholic Church at RCIA. All sessions are confidential.
I
was already baptized in a non Catholic church: do I have
to be rebaptized?
As long as the baptism was performed using water & in
the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, it is usually
considered a valid baptism. Those already baptized in a
non Catholic backgruond would make a profession of faith,
be confirmed & receive First Communion as catholics
in order to be fully initiated.
