Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) classes for those non-Catholics who wish to know more about the Catholic faith begin each September and continue through the Easter season. These classes meet every Tuesday night from 6-7:30 p.m., in our Heritage Room. RCIA begins with an Inquiry stage, during which participants are given a basic overall presentation of what Catholics believe and how they worship. For all those who then feel they are called to pursue membership in the Catholic Church, there follows a Catechumenate stage, where a more in-depth presentation of the teachings of the Catholic faith is given. During the Purification and Enlightenment stage, the “elect” – continuing to meet weekly – seek to deepen their faith and, through discussion, prayer, and reflection, achieve a more personal conversion in their lives. Following initiation into the Church at the Easter Vigil, the new Catholics, or “neophytes,” meet again in the Mystagogia stage, to encourage one another as they prepare to live out their Catholic faith in the world. The RCIA classes are held in an informal manner and, throughout the process, participants are encouraged to ask questions and share experiences, as well as to grow in fellowship with one another and the parish. For those who do not have a practicing Catholic to sponsor them in this faith journey, the church will be happy to provide one for you.

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The RCIA classes are held from September until Easter for those wishing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. These classes are held for two hours each week on Tuesday evenings.