The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) prepares those who are seeking admission into the Catholic Church for the Sacraments of Initiation.
It is open to all adults, even those who are already Catholic that may be seeking a refresher about their faith or just want to learn more as they continue their journey of faith. It is also for:
• Those who have never been baptized and seek to join the community of believers. These men and women are called “Catechumens.”
• Those who have been baptized in another Christian faith, but are seeking to join the Catholic Church. These men and women are called “Candidates.”
• Those who have been baptized in the Catholic faith but who have never been fully initiated, through the Sacraments of Eucharist/Confirmation. These are also called “Candidates.”
Others who participate in RCIA are: Catholic adults who serve as sponsors for the catechumens and candidates. These people have a very important role in helping to nurture and introduce the catechumens and candidates to the Church community by providing support, example, and prayer.
Saint Bernadette’s RCIA program is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith. If you are not yet sure whether you want to become Catholic, you are still welcome to participate as you make your decision.
The RCIA is a mix of praying, learning facts, discussing how these apply to our lives, participating in prayerful ceremonies (called “rites”) and most importantly, using all of these experiences to build and grow in a relationship with God.
Please contact our Faith Formation office for more information or to register for the RCIA process.
God bless you in your faith journey!