The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process established for the universal Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church.
The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.” Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.
RCIA aims to transform the entire person into an individual who has truly accepted Jesus into their life and made a decision to follow Him.
The full process of becoming a Catholic involves more than liturgical ceremonies. A number of elements form the whole process. Key among these elements is evangelization, engagement with the community, catechesis, formation for mission and the sacraments of initiation.
Because the process of becoming a Christian is about conversion and the transformation of the whole person, it is difficult to determine how long this process will take. Every person is treated as an individual with a unique history and background. Everyone grows and develops at his or her own pace. Through a process of spiritual discernment, catechumens are led one step at a time to the sacraments of initiation. These steps or periods correspond to the spiritual growth of the individual. The time varies, but is rarely shorter than six months or longer than three years. The Church greatly respects the time each person needs for conversion and decision. The RCIA text gives guides for discerning this on a case-by-case basis.
On the night when Christians around the world celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord, the Easter Vigil, the elect are led to the saving waters of Baptism, sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist for the first time.
The process begins with Inquiry sessions.
When: Wednesday evenings, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Where: Catechetical Ministry Office
The material is presented by RCIA team members and the Pastor.
Please schedule an appointment to meet with an RCIA leadership team member.
Phone: 619-463-6011
Email: [email protected].
We would like to meet with you to hear a little about your journey so far and to determine with you what the best path forward will be.
Typically, if you were baptized in another Christian denomination, you will not be "re-baptized," but you will enter the Catholic Church by making a “Profession of Faith”.
Some baptismal formulas are not recognized as valid by the Catholic Church (for example, the Mormon formula of baptism), and thus you will need to receive Baptism as a Roman Catholic Christian.
Everyone’s situation is different. You will need to meet with the pastor to see which solution offered by the Catholic Church best meets your needs. Our Pastor will be able to assess your situation and can help you get started. Contact our Pastor here.
That is your decision and you will not be pressured to become Catholic. Some people learn about Catholicism for a few years before deciding to become Catholic, and some never choose to move forward.
Completely! And, for the better. Many converts to Catholicism are the best witnesses to the truth, beauty, and goodness of God. We see in them the power of God's grace at work in a unique way that inspires all of us to give our lives more fully to Jesus Christ.