Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults become members of the Catholic Church. The process is a commitment, lasting up to a year or more. During the process those who hope to become Catholics spend time learning about the Catholic faith. They learn about our history, beliefs, rituals, spirituality, and much more. This is a time of learning and forming close relationships with members of the parish.
The culmination of preparation of the catechumens happens during Holy Week each year. It is a time of intense preparation for the catechumens as they move toward becoming full members of the Church at the Easter Vigil.
During the Easter Vigil, the catechumens are baptized, confirmed, and participate in the Eucharist for the first time. Sometimes people who were baptized in other Christian Churches and are joining the Catholic Church or Catholics who never received First Communion or Confirmation are also confirmed as Catholics and receive Holy Communion at the Vigil. The ceremony is filled with the richness of our Catholic faith. There is an atmosphere of celebration, and families, sponsors, and members of the parish community join together to welcome the newly baptized into the local parish and the universal Catholic Church.
For more information regarding RCIA, please contact Sheila at [email protected] or 968-7913.
The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, 2004, St. Mary's Press, Winona, MN
The culmination of preparation of the catechumens happens during Holy Week each year. It is a time of intense preparation for the catechumens as they move toward becoming full members of the Church at the Easter Vigil.
During the Easter Vigil, the catechumens are baptized, confirmed, and participate in the Eucharist for the first time. Sometimes people who were baptized in other Christian Churches and are joining the Catholic Church or Catholics who never received First Communion or Confirmation are also confirmed as Catholics and receive Holy Communion at the Vigil. The ceremony is filled with the richness of our Catholic faith. There is an atmosphere of celebration, and families, sponsors, and members of the parish community join together to welcome the newly baptized into the local parish and the universal Catholic Church.
For more information regarding RCIA, please contact Sheila at [email protected] or 968-7913.
The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, 2004, St. Mary's Press, Winona, MN