Questions about becoming Catholic or returning to the Catholic Church?

Sharing our Christian faith is important. Others worked in the harvest so we were able to reap the benefits of the sacraments and spiritual guidance of the Catholic Church. Likewise, we willingly try to bring this precious gift to the next generation, our faith community, and to others. One of the ways we reach out to others (Non-Catholics) is through RCIA.

What is it?

You may have seen announcements about RCIA in the parish bulletin, but what is it at St Cecilia, and who is involved? RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. RCIA is the process by which non-Catholic adults (technically anyone over the age of seven) are received into the Catholic Church. RCIA is available in two ways; the first is geared for those people who have not received any Christian baptism of any kind, and the second is for those who have been baptized in a Christian denomination using the proper (Trinitarian) formula.

Why is baptism a distinction?

A valid baptism can only occur once in a lifetime. Once original sin is removed and a person is claimed for Christ (even as an infant), it is an action that cannot be repeated. So, those who have already been validly baptized in another Christian tradition have already received the sacrament and need only profess their acceptance of the Catholic faith as the Church established by Christ.

How long is the process?

There are a few acceptable variations to the process. Here, at St. Cecilia, we meet from October-May. 

The goal of our RCIA process is to simply provide opportunities to experience and encounter the love of God through prayer, teaching, and community. We believe Jesus is a person that wants to be in relationship with you.