How does someone become a Catholic?


RCIA logo2
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (or RCIA) helps people who have expressed an interest to learn more about the Catholic Church. Through participation in RCIA, people journey toward the Sacraments of Initiation and by receiving these they become members of the Catholic Church. In weekly gatherings on Sunday mornings, RCIA team members use prayer, conversation, and instruction in a small group setting to build up the foundations of faith, assist individuals to discern God's call, and incorporate them into the Catholic community.

After an initial period of some weeks (known as "Inquiry") and a personal interview, non-baptized persons can become "Catechumens" through a public Rite of Acceptance. Similarly, baptized Christians may become "Candidates" in the Rite of Welcome. Catechumens and Candidates journey together each week to understand what it means to believe in Jesus and live the Catholic Faith.

photo_rcia_logo
The Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated at the great Easter Vigil Service for those who have discerned the call from God and are ready and able to make the commitment.

Who conducts the RCIA weekly meetings?


RCIA is a parish ministry under the leadership of the Pastor who delegates someone to serve as the director of the program. In is the director's responsibility to assemble and train a team of parishioners to conduct the Inquiry and to invite and work with another group of parishioners who serve with the director as catechists (or teachers) for the RCIA. Still another group of people journeys with the Catechumens and Candidates in the name of the entire parish. These "Sponsors" participate in the second part of each weekly Sunday gathering. Godparents become part of the process as the time for Baptism approaches. Yet another group in the parish participates in RCIA ministry by providing hospitality and refreshments during the second session of the RCIA gatherings.

Each Sunday, the Catechumens, Candidates, and Catechists are dismissed from the 8:30 AM Mass following the Liturgy of the Word. They receive a brief instruction from the Pastor and then form a procession to the parish conference room/library for the first of their two-part session to explore the meaning of the Word of God.


When does RCIA begin?


rcia_logo
Since RCIA is an ongoing process, Inquiry may begin at any time. Inquiry is held one night a week for about six weeks.


Whom should I contact if I am interested?


Sr. Brendan Jacoby, OSU, is the RCIA Director at St. Joseph Church. She can be reached at the Parish Office: 544-7426.