RCIA - RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS
Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic Church? Are you unbaptized but recognize a need for spirituality in your life? Are you baptized Catholic or baptized into another religion but never received any formal religious education? Are you married to a Catholic and attend Mass but just don't know what the next step is to become one of the Catholic faithful? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the place for you. Every year adults are welcomed into the Catholic Community through RCIA. It is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings you to Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will be asked of me in this RCIA process?
Anyone seeking information about the Catholic faith is welcome to attend any of the RCIA sessions. As the process proceeds, and if you so desire to be baptized into the Catholic faith community, we encourage you to strive to attend all the sessions and other RCIA events. There are times during the RCIA process for you to explore your intentions and continue to discern God's call.
I have already been baptized in the Catholic faith but have not received any other Catholic Sacraments (Holy Communion, Confirmation, etc). Can I still attend the sessions?
Yes! Usually, at least half of the participants in the RCIA process have been baptized. Our sessions together will build upon your foundation as a baptized Christian. Preparation for reception of Holy Communion and of Confirmation are part of the RCIA process.
What if I was baptized but not as a Catholic?
Most Christian baptisms are universally recognized by the Catholic Church! You are welcome to explore the Catholic faith, and as the process continues, if you so choose, you can prepare to join the Catholic faith through the RCIA process. Prayer, discernment, and reflection are part of the RCIA experience.
I have heard that I need a sponsor?
Jesus taught his disciples the importance of community. It is meaningful that we walk this faith journey with companions. Once the RCIA process is underway, if you are interested in formally exploring the Catholic faith, you will be assigned a "sponsor" from the St. Francis parish community. This person will attend the sessions with you and help you find the resources and answers that you may have on your journey.
Is there any cost associated with RCIA?
None whatsoever.
Anyone seeking information about the Catholic faith is welcome to attend any of the RCIA sessions. As the process proceeds, and if you so desire to be baptized into the Catholic faith community, we encourage you to strive to attend all the sessions and other RCIA events. There are times during the RCIA process for you to explore your intentions and continue to discern God's call.
I have already been baptized in the Catholic faith but have not received any other Catholic Sacraments (Holy Communion, Confirmation, etc). Can I still attend the sessions?
Yes! Usually, at least half of the participants in the RCIA process have been baptized. Our sessions together will build upon your foundation as a baptized Christian. Preparation for reception of Holy Communion and of Confirmation are part of the RCIA process.
What if I was baptized but not as a Catholic?
Most Christian baptisms are universally recognized by the Catholic Church! You are welcome to explore the Catholic faith, and as the process continues, if you so choose, you can prepare to join the Catholic faith through the RCIA process. Prayer, discernment, and reflection are part of the RCIA experience.
I have heard that I need a sponsor?
Jesus taught his disciples the importance of community. It is meaningful that we walk this faith journey with companions. Once the RCIA process is underway, if you are interested in formally exploring the Catholic faith, you will be assigned a "sponsor" from the St. Francis parish community. This person will attend the sessions with you and help you find the resources and answers that you may have on your journey.
Is there any cost associated with RCIA?
None whatsoever.
Volunteers
RCIA is in need of many sponsors each year. If you are a baptized, confirmed, practicing Catholic, we invite you to consider sponsoring someone on their journey of faith into the Catholic Church. The time commitment is from August through the month following Easter, and meetings are on Tuesday evenings.
Contact & Communication
If you would like more information, please contact: Deacon Gregg Kahrs - (972) 712-2645, Ext. 252