The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which persons learn about, participate in, and eventually become fully-initiated members of the Catholic Church. During this process, participants will attend classes in which they become familiar with the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. They will also celebrate a series of rites with the parish community, which mark their journey toward initiation into the Church. At the Easter Vigil, persons entering the Catholic Church receive the sacraments of initiation.

There is no expectation that everyone who begins this process will necessarily become members of the Catholic Church. The purpose of the RCIA is to introduce you to the Catholic tradition and assist you in considering the Church as a faith community for yourself.

Persons participating in the RCIA come from a variety of situations. Some have never been baptized and initiated into Christian faith. These persons are referred to as “catechumens.” At the beginning of Lent, catechumens become the “elect.” At the Easter Vigil, the elect are initiated into Christian faith and the Catholic Church through their reception of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

Other persons have been baptized in another Christian church and are now interested in becoming Catholic. These persons are referred to as “candidates.” At the Easter Vigil, candidates are received into the full communion of the Catholic Church and celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Finally, some persons have been baptized in the Catholic Church but have not received any further faith instruction or sacraments. These persons are also referred to as “candidates.” At the Easter Vigil, they celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Persons who are considering initiation into the Catholic Church are a blessing and inspiration for the entire Church community. We welcome you to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish and look forward to sharing in your faith journey.

Meetings for those participating in the RCIA are held on Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm in the library at St. Michael.

If you are interested in the RCIA, please contact:

Keith Jiron

RCIA Coordinator

913-402-3943

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