Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Called by our Baptism to evangelize the world, the RCIA team at St. Helen seeks to welcome, teach, direct and journey with those who hear God’s call to discipleship; guiding them towards a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. If you are curious about the Catholic faith or have not celebrated any or all of the Sacraments, we have a special process designed called the RCIA.
Please visit FORMED.org
What is faith? How does faith grow? What do Catholics believe and why is it different from other faith traditions? Are you someone or do you know someone who….
- Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic?
- Has a child over the age of seven who has not been baptized?
- Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist?
Through the RCIA process, we offer an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our faith. Sessions focus on the teachings and experience of the Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. There are separate sessions for children. You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, your insights, and your faith story in a warm accepting setting. For more information call the Religious Education Office at 562-5954.
“Called by our Baptism to evangelize the world, the RCIA team at St. Helen seeks to welcome, teach, direct and journey with those who hear God’s call to discipleship, guiding them towards a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. If you are curious about the Catholic faith or have not celebrated any or all of the Sacraments, we have a special process called RCIA.
The process of Christian Initiation is for adults who:
- Want to learn more about the Catholic Church.
- Are unbaptized and want to become Catholic Christians through the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- Attend Catholic Church because of a loved one or spouse and are not sure if the Catholic Church is for them – but are willing to ask questions.
The RCIA is the process by which men and women become members of the Catholic Church. Because the process is ongoing, people begin whenever they respond to the call of God. There is no formatted “start” to the process.
God calls and we respond. With the process of Christian Initiation, men and women at all stages of the faith journey come together in a non-threatening and non-pressured atmosphere to learn more about the Catholic Church.
The RCIA provides a forum for shared spiritual growth, and a means to explore the Catholic Christian tradition through the scripture, sacraments, church teachings, and social outreach, all in the midst of the Catholic faith community.
The RCIA takes place within the context of the parish community, after a suitable period of formation, and culminates in the reception of the Sacrament of Initiation.
Formation includes several areas:
- Scripture: The stories of God’s people
- Teaching: What Catholics believe
- Prayer: How we communicate with God
- Liturgy: How the community worships
- Mission: How we live out what we believe
Terms used in the RCIA:
Catechumenate: The process of formation leading to entrance into the church.
Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
Catechumen: an unbaptized person who seeks entrance to the church.
Candidate: a person baptized in another Christian faith tradition who seeks membership in the Catholic Church.
If you are interested in RCIA or have questions regarding RCIA please contact the Religious Education Office 772-562-5954.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE RCIA BROCHURE: RCIA
