RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

What is it?

RCIA is a journey of faith.
• It is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful. It is focused on conversion, whereby the candidates enter into an extended period of formation and conversion through prayer and reflection on Sacred Scripture.
• It is also a communal journey in which the church community ritually celebrates conversion at various points during the candidate’s journey as they pass, so to speak, through another doorway or ascend to the next level.
• The RCIA is not a program but a sacramental process in which candidates are fully initiated into the Catholic faith.

Who is it for?

Christian Initiation is for youths and adults who:
• Want to learn more about the Catholic Church.
• Attend the Catholic Church with a spouse or loved one, and are not sure about joining, but are open to exploring the question.
• Are not baptized and want to become Catholic Christians through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
• Are baptized Christians who seek full initiation in the Roman Catholic Church through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

How does it work?

God calls and we respond. With the process of christian initiation, women and men at all stages of the faith journey come together in a relaxed and informal atmosphere to learn from 7:30 to 9:00 PM on weekday evenings. Volunteer catechists take turns leading sessions regarding Catholic beliefs and practices. A portion of each meeting is dedicated to studying the Scripture as well.

Throughout the course of the RCIA there are special times of prayer known as rites, when participants receive the prayers, blessing, and support of the larger parish community. Most new Catholics are received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

What is the first step?

Contact Deacon Jim Byrne to learn more about the initiation process.
You can reach Deacon Jim at 631.757.3389 or via email at: 1cor12v4to11@gmail.com.