Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

RCIA Sessions
Thursdays: 6:30 - 8 pm
Multipurpose Room
Would you like to know more about the Catholic Faith? The Catholic Church warmly welcomes new members and provides them with spiritual formation according to their needs. The process, which is known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), includes children who have reached the age of reason, unbaptized adults, baptized adults who are either unfamiliar with or not active in the Christian way of life, and persons who were baptized and active in other Christian denominations. All RCIA participants have sponsors – members of the parish community – who attend the sessions and rites with them and serve as companions on the journey. We also invite adult Catholics who have never been confirmed.
New inquirers are welcome throughout the year.

The RCIA process includes four formation periods :
  1. Period One: Inquiry – a time of informal introduction to the Catholic community, its teaching and traditions.
  2. Period Two: Catechumenate – a lengthy period during which the participants gather weekly to discuss the gospel proclaimed in the Sunday readings and relate those truths to their daily lives. The RCIA team, the pastor, associate pastor, and other speakers assist the participants in their study of many facets of the Catholic faith.
  3. Period Three: Purification and Enlightenment – a period which focuses on prayer and  spiritual growth usually coinciding with Lent.
  4. Period Four: Mystagogy – a period of reflecting on the experience of initiation, the meaning of the sacraments, and the new members’ integration into the Catholic community. No rite formally concludes this period because it does not end. All adult Catholics are called to reflect upon and deepen their appreciation for the mysteries throughout their lives.    

Are you or someone you know ...
  • Interested in becoming Catholic?
  • Baptized Catholic as a child, but have not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist?

We offer an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith. Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) sessions focus on the teachings and experience of Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season.

Questions? Contact:
Heather Wilson
Director of Religious Education
heather@staugustinecatholic.org
423-886-3424