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?

Thinking about joining the Catholic Church, and feeling a little lost?

The RCIA Inquiry stage is the starting place for adults who are thinking about entering the Catholic Church. In the inquiry stage, you're just finding out about Jesus, Christianity, and the Catholic Church. Talk to people, walk around in our shoes for a bit, and get a feel for the place. As an inquirer, you're not yet sure exactly what you think about the Catholic Church. Your main task here is to develop your faith a little bit. Get to know Christ, prayer, the Catholic Church, and how Christians live. That's the only way you can make an informed decision about entering the Catholic Church.

What is the First Step?

Anyone who is seriously thinking about becoming a Catholic Christian or would simply like more information can contact:

Deacon Ray at rdever@stpaulchurch.com or
Deacon Carlos at ccelaya@stpaulchurch.com 
or call the parish office at 813-961-3023

We are currently forming the RCIA group for adults who will journey together towards entering the Church at the great Easter Vigil on March 30, 2013, when they will receive the sacraments of initiation.  We are beginning with an informal meeting and tour of the Church following the 9:00 am Mass on Sunday, August 26, 2012, with regular weekly meetings beginning on Sunday, September 10,2012, the Sunday after the Labor Day Weekend.

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 Ray at rdever@stpaulchurch.com or
Deacon Carlos at ccelaya@stpaulchurch.com 
or call the parish office at 813-961-3023