Becoming Catholic
What is RCIA?
RCIA is simply the journey of becoming Catholic or of entering into the fullness of the Catholic faith. The letters themselves stand for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. The name sounds ancient because this is the same process that was used in those first centuries after Jesus for people coming into the Church.
Who is RCIA all about?
RCIA is all about developing a relationship with Jesus Christ. Most people, when they first join, have no spirituality or at least nothing that makes any practical difference in their lives. Yet, when they proceed along this journey of prayer, study, and service, they encounter Jesus in a living and personal manner. This transformation is often powerful because, where there was nothing before, now the living God is directly present to them.
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
John 10:16
RCIA Commitments
The primary commitments of RCIA are a dedication to personal prayer, weekly evening sessions, and weekend Mass with the group.
Personal Prayer
At the outset of the RCIA journey, each person is asked to make a promise to spend 15 minutes a day in personal prayer with God. This foundation of conversation with God is the basis for the entire RCIA experience.
Evening Sessions
The weekly evening sessions are usually held every Monday. They are geared towards education of the faith and Christian service. The educational topics range from an “Introduction to Prayer” to “The Biblical Basis for Mary.” Our service components include working a house build for Habitat for Humanity and serving at a soup kitchen.
Mass
Mass attendance with the RCIA group is an essential part of the journey. By attending Mass as a group, we strengthen our bonds as people on the same journey of faith, both as members of the RCIA group and with the parish community as a whole. After each Mass, we gather to break open the Bible readings for that day so that we can better take them to heart.