What is RCIA?
It is a journey in faith. RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process by which adults who are not Catholic are welcomed into the Christian Family in the Catholic Church. The RCIA is a nine month experience happening all over the world at the same time. It begins in the Fall and continues through the Easter season with beautiful rites and rich formation sessions. It culminates at the Easter Vigil where the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation are celebrated with the community.

Who is it for?
Perhaps you are engaged or married to a Catholic and wish to find out more about your (future) spouse’s faith. Perhaps you are already a baptized Catholic but never celebrated First Holy Communion or Confirmation. Or perhaps you aren’t Catholic, but have thought about becoming a Catholic. The RCIA Journey in Faith is for all of you!

Becoming a Catholic is not just a matter of learning and accepting a number of beliefs. It is a process of spiritual growth and conversation. This is why it is called a “Journey in Faith”. It involves personal growth, as well as growing into a particular Catholic community or parish. For this reason, each parish in the Catholic Church is responsible for its own RCIA process.

Sponsors
Those who want to inquire more seriously into becoming a Catholic will need a sponsor, who will pray for and support the inquirer in the journey in faith. The sponsor is meant to be a fellow pilgrim on the journey, and must be a Catholic. The sponsor may be a spouse/fiancé or friend. However, if the inquirer does not know anyone suitable, the parish will be happy to suggest someone.

Our door is open!
All are welcome.

RCIA sessions are open to all who wish to find out more about becoming a Catholic, regardless of the desire to be baptized or confirmed at the end of the process.

CONTACT: Mike Callahan at mcallahan@ourladyofthewoods.org