Sacraments : Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults  (R.C.I.A.)
                                  

                                              
Welcoming New Members and Renewing Our Parish In Faith

 

Loving God,
We thank you for the gift of the men and women who seek to know You and enter the Church as Catholic Christians. May the Holy Spirit guide us, your St. Mary community, as we welcome these inquirers, catechumens, and candidates. Help us to be supportive companions on their journey of faith as we witness Your love to them through our actions and prayers. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen

 

 

What?

R.C.I.A. is a process through which adults are initiated as members of the Roman Catholic Church.

 

It is rooted in the ancient traditions of the early Church which formed new believers in Jesus as members of the Christian community.  Today, the R.C.I.A. continues in the Church's "family tradition" of welcoming, supporting, and nurturing new brothers and sisters in faith.

 

Who?

R.C.I.A. is for any adult interested in learning about the Church and/or becoming a Catholic Christian.  Those just starting the process are called Inquirers.  When they become ready to commit to become members of the Church, they move on to the next steps of the process.  If they have not been baptized, they are called Catechumens.  If they have already been baptized, they are called Candidates.

 

Who Else?

R.C.I.A. is also for any Catholic Christian who wants to learn more about the Church and their Catholic faith.  In addition, R.C. I. A. provides many opportunities for parishioners to get involved in a variety of service ministries to support this parish-wide process.

 

How?

R.C.I.A. is a gradual journey in faith that takes place right in the midst of our parish through weekly meetings, participation in the Liturgy of the Word, and most importantly, building relationships and faith sharing with members of the St. Mary community.

 

Why?

R.C.I.A. forms today's inquirers into tomorrow's faithful, welcomes baptized persons of other faith communities as gifts to enrich our Church, and serves as a sign of the on-going need for conversion and renewal in the St. Mary Community.

 

Why Not?

R.C.I.A. invites YOU to come and see!!

 

Come And See...

R.C.I.A. instruction is open to all adults on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the St. Mary School commons beginning in late September each year.