What is RCIA? 

Through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), adults over the age of 18 years become members of the Church over a period of time. This conversion process, through a prayerful discernment of God's will, culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), or in the case of Baptized Christians, (Profession of Faith, Confirmation and Eucharist, and Reconciliation). For adult Catholics seeing to complete their Initiation (Confirmation, Eucharist, and Reconciliation). The RCIA occurs over a period of time (about 16 - 24 months, in four phases (Inquiry, Catechumenate, Purification and enlightenment, and Mystagogia).  

Who may come to RCIA?

Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Church whether they are baptized in another Christian Church or unbaptized may come to Inquiry to learn more about the Catholic Church.  

What is the First Step?

Anyone who is seriously thinking about becoming a Catholic Christian or who would simply like more information can contact Deacon Greg Kovalesky, Catechumenate Director, at 264-3306 or gkovalesky@stpaulchurch.com

The R.C.I.A. is primarily a journey of Faith ...

Through all those stages of asking and seeking,
Through beginning involvement with Catholic people,
Through hearing the Gospel proclaimed and by faithful reflection and prayer on this Word of God,
Through study and discussion about the Catholic experience,
Through doubts and hesitations,
Through involvement in the works of charity and justice with those already committed to the Catholic way of life, Through discernment of God's call for them as individuals,
Through the steps of commitment,
Through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) to a life of faith, love, and justice in communion with Catholics throughout the world." 

Conversion ... A Gradual Process

The R.C.I.A. as a rite, marks stages along the path to full commitment in the Catholic Church; the R.C.I.A. as a process, describes in broad terms what this gradual commitment means.
 
The R.C.I.A. as a formation process looks both to the gradual inner transformation of the individual to God's calla as given week by week in the Lectionary of Scripture readings at the Sunday Eucharist, and to the gradual transformation of the person into an active member of the local faith community.

Who do I contact for more information?  

Deacon Greg Kovalesky at 961-3023 or gkovalesky@stpaulchurch.com