RCIA for Adults

What is RCIA?
RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. RCIA is a faith formation process for adults and children over the age of 7 who desire to learn about the Catholic faith and who are considering joining the Catholic Church. In this process, each adult and child will grow in their faith and relationship with God, and learn more so they may become Disciples, and full, active, participating Catholics.

It is most important to understand that RCIA is not merely a new way to prepare adults for Baptism. Baptism is one of the sacraments conferred. The goal of the process is Full Communion and full, conscious and active participation in the Eucharist and in the whole life of the Catholic faith community.

RCIA helps individuals to grow in relationship with God, to become familiar with Catholic teachings and practices, to get acquainted with others in the parish family and to become involved in service within the community.

Why do we call RCIA a “Process” and not a “Program?”
We do not refer to RCIA as a program, but instead this is a process. This is because we consider this a lifelong journey. The moment you first thought about the Catholic Church, whether it was attending school, reading the Bible, meeting someone who is Catholic, baptizing your child Catholic, or anything else.
Each moment is part of your faith journey. And these moments continue long after you join the Catholic Church and receive the Sacraments.

RCIA is not just a "convert class" with a new name. It is a faith formation process, celebrated by special rites during the Sunday liturgies at various times throughout the year. RCIA involves the whole community - in prayer as the rites are celebrated, in hospitality as new members are welcomed and in service projects and assistance with parish ministries.
 

 
Who should inquire? Everybody! Including but not limited to:

• Anyone who has never been baptized
• Anyone who was baptized in a different Christian faith and interested in becoming Catholic.
• Anyone who was baptized Catholic and would now like to receive the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and/or Confirmation.
• Anyone who is already Catholic, but wants to learn more about the Catholic faith and would like to talk with someone more in detail, or attend sessions to continue growing in their faith.
• Anyone who has friends or other family members who are open and interested in learning more about the Catholic Church (or would like to eventually become Catholic).
• Anyone who has children of Catechetical age (7 or older) who need to receive Baptism into the Church.
   

How long is the RCIA process? When are the meetings?
1. As soon as you inquire, or fill out this registration form, you will be contacted to meet beforehand to go over the dates and schedule. There will also be opportunities for any extra questions and prayer time.

2. The first official session for adults will begin in September the week after Labor Day. Adults for this process are considered anybody who is 18 and older (or graduated high school and older). All ages welcome! There is a different process for children of Catechetical age (7-17 years old). 

3. We offer both English and Spanish RCIA sessions. A schedule of the dates will be on the website.

a. English RCIA – Monday evenings from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM in the Parish Community Center, unless otherwise notified.
b. Spanish RCIA – Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM-8:30 PM at either Divine Mercy Church, or at one of the volunteer’s house. You will be reminded at the end of each session the location of next week’s meeting.

4. A more detailed schedule of the dates and times, including dates of the sessions, Rites, Scrutinies, Holy Days, and Easter Vigil information, will be on the website.

What if the regular session times do not work?
If Mondays (or Thursdays) do not work, but you are still interested, this is very flexible. We are willing to meet with you on other days and times that are preferable and still offer opportunities for your faith growth. We want to ensure that you still receive the proper Sacramental formation.
 
However, please do not hesitate to contact us as soon as you know you are ready, so we can meet and begin to walk with you in your faith journey.


Can a significant other, relative, sponsor, or anyone else we know attend as well, even if that person is confirmed Catholic?
Of course! We welcome all people who are interested in growing in their faith. We also recognize the potential for a marriage or relationship (romantic, family, and friendship) to grow and blossom through this process. Please feel free to invite others and spread the word about this process.


Final Call to Discernment:
Everyone of us is on a journey of faith, and sometimes the Lord asks us to stop and ask the important questions.  If you would like to look deeper into the Catholic faith, contact the parish office or one of the leaders.

​However, if you know you are interested and are discerning about becoming Catholic, or you have already committed, please contact us as soon as possible. We would love to be able to answer any questions, take time to get to know one another, so we may prepare together for this amazing journey
 
And we also encourage you to invite others as well to evangelize.

For More Questions or Information: Please contact Jacques Delouche at jdelouche@divinemercyparish.org or on his cell phone at (832) 423-8940.

You may also contact the Church office at (504) 466-5016 for more information.