Become Catholic - RCIA
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How can I become Catholic?
How can I learn more about the Catholic Faith?
What is RCIA?
See Documents for Calendar Dates & Topics
We are glad you are asking questions about the Catholic faith and we have answers for you.
If you are:- an adult who has never been part of a formal religion
- an adult who was baptized in a faith tradition other than Catholicsm
- an adult who received some but not all of the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Reconciliation or Confirmation
- an adult who was raised in another faith and now wishes to become Catholic
- an adult who is Catholic and wants to learn more about the faith
We invite you to take the first step in the process of becoming Catholic through our RCIA sessions on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM in our Education & Formation Building, room 104.
The process the Church uses for the wonderful journey is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It is a year long personal faith journey that usually begins in September with a period of inquiry. During this time, inquiring people are given the opportunity to learn more about Catholism, ask questions, and get to know what makes a Catholic a Catholic. During the Period of Inquiry, you will discuss the Church's teachings on Jesus Christ, learn about the Mass and the Sacraments of the Church, talk about the importance of sacred Scripture and Tradition, and the importance of prayer in your daily life.
The process is concerned with the total formation of the person into believing with the Church community (doctrinal formation), living with the Church community (practical formation), praying with the Church community (liturgical formation), and serving with the Church community (apostolic formation). Each week RCIA uses a carefully planned stage, marked by several liturgical rites in the presence of the whole community. Persons who have expressed an interest in the Catholic faith begin a process of formation that offers the opportunity for a deeper conversion experience. Those who wish to recieve the Sacraments of Initiation recieve further formation in preparation of the Sacraments at Easter.
If you would like more information or you want to inquire about becoming Catholic, please email Rosemary Crocker or Msgr. John Bell, or call our office at 469-467-9669.
Contact: Rosemary Crocker or Msgr. John Bell
Listed below are some links you can use for additional reading and research.
The Official Holy See Website
Vatican Internet Portal -
Phases and RitesPrecatechumenate - Inquiry Phase
- A time to ask questions
- A time to tell stories
- A time to build community
Rite of Acceptance - Welcoming
In this rite the participants seek and gain the acceptance and welcome of the community. They are one step closer to recieving the Sacraments of Initiation.
Catechumenate Phase- Sharing doctrinal teachings, traditions and Catholic practices
- Exploring prayer and Scripture
Rite of Election - Call to Continue Conversion
The unbaptized are "called" or "elected" by God to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. The baptized express their desire to be received into the full communion of the Catholic Church.
Purification & Enlightenment Phase- Prayer, reflection, fasting
- Scrutinits - special rites which seal the break with evil
Mystagogy- "Leading into the mysteries"
- Explore and confirm your initiation experience
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What to expect at each session
- Prayer
- Personal sharing
- Report on a saint of the week
- Small group sharing on the Sunday reading and Gospel
- Catechesis (teaching on a particular topic)
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