Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process in which participants “undergo conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments. The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism”.
The beliefs of the Catholic Church and her beautiful teachings are consistent through the ages.
- We believe that God created human beings in love. Everything God creates is good and created out of love. While we have the capacity for sin, the Church believes in the dignity of the human person above all else.
- We also believe that goodness infuses all of God’s wondrous creation. All creation, made by God, reflects that goodness. Catholics see the world and its beauty, renewed by the Incarnation, as sacramental – speaking of God’s goodness and love.
- We believe in stewardship. God gives everything to us and our Catholic responsibility is to share our time, talent and treasure with those around us.
- We believe in the Holy Trinity, that God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit – a communion of knowledge and love – has created us to share in that life.
- We believe in community and a living Church – believers are a part of the living Body of Christ and, as such, we are a reflection of the communal nature of the Trinity.
- We believe that God loved his creation so much that he became human in the person of Jesus to walk among us.
- We believe in the communion of the saints – models of faith who help us and guide us in our daily lives.
- We believe in Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection, and we hope that one day we will rise to new life with him.
Becoming Catholic today means joining an ancient faith, deeply rooted in the teachings and traditions of Christ, that is filled with hope and vibrancy as we continue to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all the ends of the earth.
If you have knowledge of Jesus Christ, seeking a deeper relationship with Him, and to learn more about the Catholic Church, then RCIA is for you!
A Candidate, baptized Christian or Catholic, is seeking initiation into the Catholic Church through Eucharist and Confirmation.
Throughout the year, there are several dates that an Inquirer can begin the RCIA process. The Inquiry process takes place over nine (9) weeks and is the first step in discerning to become Catholic and to learn the basics of Catholicism.
The Children’s Catechumenate is a process of discernment and whole-family catechesis for anyone between the ages of 7 and 17, who is interested in becoming a Catholic or who is currently a baptized Catholic above the second grade and seeks to be prepared for and receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.
To learn more about the Children’s Catechumenate, please contact:
Elementary: Marisa Ferrara, Coordinator of Elementary Formation & First Sacraments at Marisa.Ferara@stfrancisraleigh.org.
Middle School and High School: …