RCIA

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CATHOLIC?

The word Catholic means, literally, “universal.”  To be Catholic means to be part of “[t]he faithful of the whole world….the community of believers…the Mystical Body of Christ.”

Are you interested in learning more about Catholicism, the Catholic Church, and/or in becoming Catholic?  If so, you are invited to attend RCIA meetings to assist you in your quest.

WHAT IS THE RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA)?

RCIA is adult faith formation and catechesis (instruction) on the Catholic faith and Church, as expressed in her Profession of Faith, the Mass, Life in Christ, and Prayer. RCIA exists primarily for the benefit of those who wish to become Catholic and enter into full communion with the Church. 

It is a journey of reflection, prayer, instruction, and faith formation as well as an opportunity to have questions answered.  RCIA is a learning and loving process in which conversion of the heart brings a person to Jesus Christ.

WHO CAN ATTEND RCIA?

While RCIA exists primarily for the unbaptized, it also serves those individuals who are seeking full initiation into the Church by the completion of religious instruction and sacraments, and those who are considering conversion or reversion to the Catholic faith:

Unbaptized:

Those (age seven and older) who have never been baptized who desire to respond to God’s call to conversion.  These individuals will be prepared to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

Uncatechized Catholic:

Those baptized in the Catholic Church who received little or no religious instruction and/or other Sacraments.  These individuals will be prepared to receive the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

Non-Confirmed Catholic:

Those baptized in the Catholic Church who received Penance and first Holy Communion.  These individuals will be prepared to receive Confirmation.

Baptized non-Catholic:

Those persons baptized in a non-Catholic Christian church who desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.  These individuals will be prepared to receive the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

The Saint Monica Parish RCIA team mission is to assist individuals who are on journeys of inquiry about, conversion and full communion with, and deeper understanding of, the Catholic faith.

As co-laborers in Christ, the RCIA team facilitates these journeys by way of instruction centered on core Catholic beliefs and practices, prayer, and the hope that seekers might come to know the love of God in Christ and become fully initiated, participating members in the communion of saints in the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ.

CONTACT US

For questions or information, please call the Parish office at 724-846-7540 x-23, or email [email protected].