It takes great courage to seek to understand the will of our Heavenly Father, and you have taken the first step toward doing just that. What is God asking of you? Why have you listened to that still small voice that encouraged you to seek out the Catholic Church? The most important thing to know is that it is He who calls you to this place to learn and grow and become one with Him for all eternity. You are not alone. We are here for you. We are honored to accompany you on your journey. 

R.C.I.A. - Classes for the Rite of Christian Initation of Adults are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm at the Olive Avenue location beginning in September.

Classes are open to adults without any faith background or baptism, and those who were baptized Catholic and not catechized or baptized in other Christian faith traditions. 

Please contact us so we can answer your questions about the program.
You are welcome here!

RCIA is a process through which adults learn about the Catholic Faith, culminating in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and/or Holy Communion).

It is designed for three distinct groups:

• Those who are un-baptized
• Those who have been baptized in a non-Catholic Christian faith tradition.
• Those who have been baptized in the Catholic church but have not been catechized. (Have not received the sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation).

• Inquiry Period (Pre-Catechumenate)  lasts as long as is needed by the individual. During this time, the Inquirer seeks answers to questions and discerns when ready to formally study the Catholic faith. Once ready, the Inquirer takes part in the Rite of Acceptance and begins formal formation through the Catechumenate Period.
• Catechumenate Period varies from several months to two years, dependent upon individual circumstances and progress toward understanding and accepting the teachings of Christ and his Church. Once the Catechumen is ready, s/he participates in the Rite of Election.
• Rite of Sending/Election usually takes place the first Sunday in the liturgical season of Lent. It calls a close to the catechumenate period. Surrounded by catechists, sponsors and the parish community, who stand as loving witnesses, the individual is sent to the Bishop to write his/her name in the book of the elect, signifying the final stage before receiving the sacraments of initiation, called the Period of Purification and Enlightenment
• Period of Purification and Enlightenment is a five-week period just before Easter that seeks to embolden the elect as they draw closer to union with Christ and his Church. During this period, the elect take part in what are called scrutinies during Sunday Mass. This is the most intense period of self-searching and repentance, followed by the joy of the Easter Vigil where  God bestows upon you his sacraments of initiation and you are formally his child!
• Mystagogy Period begins after you are a Catholic! During this approximate 5-week period, you go deeper into your individual responsibility as a good steward of the Church, especially encouraging participation in the parish community. 

• Inquiry Period will last as longs as is needed for you to discern your readiness to offically study the teachings of the Catholic Church.  When you are ready to move on to more formal catechesis, you will take part in the Rite of Welcome and become a Candidate for Confirmation and First Holy Communion.
• Formal Catechesis varies from several months to two years.  Although you will be catechized during this period, you are already a child of God and are thus called a "candidate," not a "catechumen.". 
• Other Rites:  Throughout your journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church, there will be certain milestones that are celebrated that both give you a sense of your progress and also involve the parish community in your journey.