WHAT IS RCIA?
RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, which is the Church's official process for becoming Catholic. It is the way in which we prepare adults to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation), but it is also so much more than just instruction: it's also a community of fellow disciples discerning and growing together.
The most important thing to note is that RCIA is a discernment journey, not a commitment. Your commitment comes at the time of receiving the sacraments and accepting the faith - prior to that, this is a time to explore. There is no pressure for you to join us just because you attend RCIA; in fact, that's kind of the point - to discern if this is what God is calling you to and to learn more about what Catholics believe. The staff at St. Michael's and our RCIA volunteers are here to support you in that discernment process.
WHY BECOME CATHOLIC?
There are so many reasons! It's hard to narrow down, but here are the first five that come to mind:
- The Eucharist: You really can't beat the presence of Jesus' Body and Blood, offered for you at each Mass. (If you are unfamiliar with Catholicism, this may come as a surprise to you, but we believe that Jesus is actually, really present in the Eucharist, not in a spiritual or symbolic way, but really and truly present.)
- Tradition: It's the Church founded by Jesus Christ. We can trace our lineage right back to the Last Supper, Passion, and Resurrection, and we get to live out that call in a very special way each day.
- Community: Having a faith family that supports you in good times and in bad is something that is so incredibly powerful. Humanity was made for community, and church community is the epitome of that connection that we naturally crave.
- The Sacraments: Besides the Eucharist, the other sacraments heal us and help us in our unique vocations and callings. There's nothing more beautiful and humbling than committing your life to God in the service of others or receiving the life-altering mercy of Jesus through the priest in confession.
- Answers: Life is...interesting. Sometimes, things come our way that we just don't understand. Being Catholic doesn't mean that you have all of the answers, but you do have the resources to help find out.
But of course we're going to say that being Catholic is great. It's kind of what we do. What about regular people, just like you?
I AM....
Welcome! We are filled with joy that you are here: not just because you are considering becoming Catholic, but also because you are having the courage to say "yes" to that still, small voice inside of you that has been nudging you (or badgering you, whatever works) to take this step.
We know that starting from the beginning can seem daunting, but our job is to help you in this discernment process. Converting to Catholicism is a big life step, and so we provide an extensive program to ask your questions, learn about this new faith, and prepare to make that commitment if you choose. It's also a practical journey as well - we want to be sure to provide you with practical tools for living out and sharing this new faith in your daily life as well.
Fun fact: Your official title would be "catechumen," which means "one in whom word echoes" in Greek. You're probably here, looking at this page, because you have felt the Word (God) echoing in your soul, and it's changed you. Like an echo, it keeps returning to you over and over again, prompting you to action.
Once you have been through the RCIA process, you would receive Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation, typically held during the Easter Vigil each year.
Welcome! We are filled with joy that you are here: not just because you are considering becoming Catholic, but also because you are having the courage to say "yes" to that still, small voice inside of you that has been nudging you (or badgering you, whatever works) to take this step.
As Catholics, we recognize the validity of baptisms within other Christian denominations, so your RCIA process is simply a continuation and deepening of the love you already have for Christ. Your classes would focus on an introduction to the Catholic faith within the context of Christianity as well as the meaning of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Most importantly, this is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about Catholicism and learn more about this way of life.
Fun fact: Your official title would be "candidate," because you are being called to continual conversion, not just a one time occurrence!
Once you have been through the RCIA process, you would receive First Communion and Confirmation, typically held at a special Mass during the Easter season along with other candidates.
We are thrilled that you want to complete the reception of your Sacraments of Initiation (Communion and Confirmation) and be fully initiated into the Church! RCIA will walk you through the meaning of these additional sacraments as well as teach you more about the pillars of our faith - and most importantly, offer you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about Catholicism!
Once you have been through this process, you will receive these additional sacraments, typically held at a special Mass during the Easter season along with other candidates.
We are thrilled that you want to complete the reception of your Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation) and be fully initiated into the Church! Because you have already received some of your sacraments, you will not need to go through the formal RCIA process. Instead, we have a separate self-study program that we will guide you through to prepare to be confirmed. To get started, email Bill Burns, Associate Director of Adult Evangelization and Formation at [email protected]
We love that you want to learn more about your faith! Though RCIA is not the right program for you, we think you'll find that our Adult Education offerings are the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of Catholicism. Be sure to check out this page for groups and events!
I was a Presbyterian for 60 years before I converted to Catholicism in 2016. Although I have always believed in GOD and the amazing sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross, my understanding was not very deep. That began to change with RCIA. I started to see so many connections between events foretold in Old Testament that were fulfilled in the New Testament. The origin of the 7 Sacraments was revealed to me through the scriptures as were practices in the Mass. During our one year of RCIA, we not only grew in understanding and faith, but we also became a family. We were all so proud to be accepted into the church and receive the Sacraments. What JOY we all experienced.
- Lowry
Being part of the RCIA journey, both as a catechumen and later as a sponsor, was a joy. It was a special experience to come to RCIA classes and share in the beauty of the Catholic faith with others. The videos were illuminating, the catechists were always eager to teach, and best of all were the small group discussions, in which we could engage in reflection with others. Questions were welcomed, and one always has the opportunity to discuss doubts on an individual basis if desired. After the journey is complete one feels like part of a family in faith! Truly a gift.
- Radhika
RCIA completely changed my life! My new found love for the Trinity and ALL that it represents has given me opportunities I never dreamt of. After accepting the Catholic faith into my life, I feel a rebirth, of sorts. With the unconditional love and encouragement of St. Michael's, there are no limits to what I can do through Christ. Lastly, I’ve found new and amazing RCIA brothers and sisters in Christ! I love you all!!!
- LaVonda
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
The process will look different for each person because we tailor the RCIA journey to your unique circumstances (see below for examples). But, there are a few commonalities:
- First, you'll start off as an Inquirer. We give you this title to emphasize the fact that you have not yet made any commitments to this new faith - we want you to feel free to explore and discern in a no pressure environment. This stage is geared towards just finding out what Catholicism is all about and see if you'd like to take further steps to join the Church.
- Once you've decided you'd like to proceed, you'll engage in weekly meetings designed to help you learn about Catholicism and grow your faith. These meetings are a mix of learning (called catechesis) and small group sharing.
- Throughout your RCIA process, you'll participate in a few rites, or ceremonies, that celebrate your progress throughout your learning and introduce you to the faith community at St. Michael, who we ask to pray for you in a special way throughout your journey. There are also opportunities for retreats and other milestones as you journey towards the reception of the sacraments.
- Finally, once you have discerned to accept the faith and have been fully catechized by our team, you'll be invited to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and/or Confirmation.
- Your faith journey doesn't end once you receive the sacraments, however! We encourage you to take part in additional adult formation opportunities after you receive the sacraments and become an involved member of our faith community.
FAQS
Is there a specific time of year when it begins?
You can begin year-round! Whenever you're ready, we're here.
Does my marriage or living situation matter for becoming Catholic?
To be eligible to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation), candidates/catechumens are asked to be living in a manner consistent with Catholic teachings on marriage. This means that if married, they are in a marriage that is recognized by the Catholic Church, and if unmarried, not cohabitating with another as a romantic partner. If you do not meet these criteria, please do not let this hinder your interest in becoming Catholic - let us help you! Your marriage may be able to be blessed and recognized by the Church, you may be able to find alternate living arrangements while you learn more about the faith, etc.
This is your opportunity to come and see. If you're ready to get started, we would love to welcome you!