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Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Faith and the call to a deeper conversion in Christ is a lifelong process. While God continually calls each of us to deeper relationship, everyone’s journey of faith is unique. If you are not Catholic but have been thinking about exploring the Catholic faith, or if you are a baptized Catholic who has not been fully initiated, consider looking into the R.C.I.A. process. The R.C.I.A. is a restoration of the ancient practice of initiation into the church, whereby men and women, responding to an often inexplicable call, are formed by the local faith community around the word of God. Upon reflection, study and discernment of God’s word, R.C.I.A. candidates are led to the sacraments of initiation, thereby empowered to live as disciples who serve the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (18+ years of age), commonly referred to as RCIA, is a process for those people seeking baptism in the Catholic Church. Primarily designed for the unbaptized, it can also be adapted for those people baptized in a Protestant denomination who wish to complete initiation into the Catholic Church.
The RCIA is the beginning of a lifelong journey of conversion to a new way of life in Christ through the Catholic Christian community. The RCIA process unfolds through a series of stages marked by key rituals. The candidates seeking the sacraments journey with the RCIA team made up of parish priests, staff, parish sponsors and catechists who "break open the word".
This process formally begins in September culminating with the celebration of the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass. People who are interest in the Catholic faith, however, are welcome to contact the parish at any time. Prospective candidates may call the Parish Office (724.941.9406) and speak to one of the priests, or call Colette in the Religious Education Office (724.941.9587). Accommodations will be made so that interested candidates may begin this process on a year-round basis.