RCIA is a gradual formation by which men and women become members of the Catholic Church. The experience provides a richer and fuller faith in God. With our Lord's help, participants are strengthened spiritually and received into the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Anyone who wishes to become a member of the Catholic Church or any baptized Catholic who has not received the Sacraments of First Eucharist or Confirmation is invited to contact the Rectory. Parishioners who would like to be a member of the RCIA team are also asked to call the Rectory for further information.
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For adults today, the Church, after the Second Vatican Council, has restored the order of the Catechumenate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It outlines the steps for the formation of catechumens, bringing their conversion to the faith to a greater maturity. It helps them respond more deeply to God's gracious initiative in their lives and prepares them for union with the Church community. This process is meant to form them into the fullness of the Christian life and to become disciples of Jesus, their teacher. This includes an initiation into the mystery of salvation, the practice of faith, hope, and love, and other virtues in a succession of liturgical rites.
Persons baptized into another Christian church and now seeking full communion with the Catholic Church are also welcomed to participate along with catechumens in the RCIA in the process of learning about the Catholic faith and being formed in that faith. They bring to the process of preparation their prior experience of Christian life and prayer. For a baptized Christian, reception into full communion with the Catholic Church involves reception of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation and then a Profession of Faith followed by the celebration of Confirmation and the Eucharist.
-From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops