R.C.I.A

Q: How Do Adults Become Catholic?
A: Through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

Read on for more questions and answers about the RCIA journey of faith…
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process designed for adults who—after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed—freely seek the living God, and desire to enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts.

Who is the RCIA for?
The process is for adults and older teens who:

	• are not baptized and seek to be welcomed into the Catholic Church and its way of life and faith in Jesus Christ through Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist; • were baptized in another Christian denomination and now seek full communion with the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist;
• were Baptized Catholic, but who have not been catechized and now desire to complete their initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist; • RCIA-Adapted for Children is available for families with children age 9 & up who are not baptized seeking to become Catholic.

If you are a fully catechized Catholic who desires Confirmation, we invite you to participate in the RCIA retreat and special sessions designed to enrich your preparation for the sacrament. Please plan to attend at least one of the Inquiry sessions in September to find out more.
What does the RCIA involve?
The RCIA is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful. The process includes reflection on a person’s individual faith journey and is structured so as to allow time for the person’s questions about the Christian faith and the Catholic way of life. It is a spiritual journey, marked by celebrations (or rites) during Mass and witnessed by the faith community. These rites mark the participant’s progress as they reach points of their deepening faith on the way to full initiation into the Catholic Church. For most people, the process involves a commitment from the Fall through the Easter Season of the next Spring, concluding with Pentecost Sunday. While the RCIA is a process centered on experiencing God in community, we also work to meet individual needs. If, at any time, a person is not ready to take the next step, that is respected.

An Outline of the Process

RCIA meets on Thursdays beginning Sept.15 at 7-8:15pm. It also includes participating in the Sunday Mass at 9am and after the homily, going forth to reflect on the word of God. Each week the sessions focus on particular topics about the Christian faith and how Catholics live their faith, as well as questions you have. The sessions are led by members of the community of St. Agnes, including members of the Pastoral Staff (priests, deacon, & professional lay ministers.)  The Easter Vigil—the most solemn Liturgy of the Church year—is ordinarily when the Church receives its new members. This year the Easter Vigil is Saturday, April 7, 2012. RCIA sessions continue until Pentecost Sunday; this year: May 27, 2012.