RCIA - The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults 

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 the Profession of Faith, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Eucharist.   

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 are 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 are 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.

Please join us on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 10:30 a.m. in Room F of the Parish Center staring in May. (No inquiry for the month of April). Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Church whether they are baptized in another Christian Church or unbaptized may come to Inquiry.                                                   "Be still, and know that I am God." ...Psalm 46:10

What is the First Step?

Anyone who is seriously thinking about becoming a Catholic Christian or who would simply like more information can contact:
Call Deacon Ray Dever at 813-961-3023 or e-mail at rdever@stpaulchurch.com
or Deacon Carlos Celaya at 813-961-3023 or e-mail at ccelaya@stpaulchurch.com 

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

R.C.I.A. as a rite, marks stages along the path to full commitment in the Catholic Church.  R.C.I.A. as a process, describes in broad terms what this gradual commitment means.
 
R.C.I.A. as a formation process, looks both to the gradual inner transformation of the individual to God's call 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?  

Call Deacon Ray Dever at 813-961-3023 or e-mail at rdever@stpaulchurch.com
or Deacon Carlos Celaya at 813-961-3023 or e-mail at ccelaya@stpaulchurch.com