The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, commonly referred to as the R.C.I.A., is a faith journey toward becoming a full and active member of the Roman Catholic Church. This beautiful and informative rite was restored in the late 1970s, as our positive response to the writings of the Second Vatican Council, 1963-67, and it is based on the ancient “order of catechumens” which dates to the earliest years of the Church’s history.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a faith formation process designed primarily for adults who have not been baptized in any faith and are intentionally seeking God in their lives. R.C.I.A. also is for those baptized in other Christian denominations, as well as baptized Catholics who have never completed the “Sacraments of Initiation”, namely, Confirmation, seven-fold gifts of the Holy Spirit, and Holy Eucharist, the precious Body and Blood of our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ.
Those who seek God as an adult have an opportunity to develop a closer relationship with Him. R.C.I.A helps people foster that personal relationship and discover great spiritual union with God. Our parish R.C.I.A. team teaches the fullness of the Catholic faith, relates it to the Holy Scriptures, and act as spiritual guides. Individuals are aided by sponsors – family, friends, and parishioners – who are companions on our journey through life, and who are themselves seeking to know, to serve, and to love God more dearly.
The R.C.I.A. process guides the catechumen and/or candidates through four periods of growth and three rites. Each rite marks the transition from one period to the next.
For further information about becoming a Catholic and/or volunteering to assist with the parish R.C.I.A. program, please call our parish office at 814.495.5241.
For a beginners guide to a life of Faith, please visit beginningCatholic.com.
Becoming Catholic (2:56)
Why Be Catholic and Not Just Christian? (8:59)
