Becoming Catholic

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is for those who want to become Catholic and attend classes to understand the nature of sacraments and God’s plan of salvation. These classes culminate in becoming baptized at the Easter vigil. We are always accepting new students!

RCIA is changing its name to the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). In November 2019, the Bishops of the United States passed the revised English translation of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. On November 17th, 2021, the Bishop’s passed an edited version for both English and Spanish and sent it on to Rome for approval. We expect to see changes in 2023. This will focus not only on new words, but on a renewed appreciation of the initiation process and rites. 

• The first period is known as the Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate. For some, this process involves a long period of searching; for others, a shorter time.  After a conversation with a priest or a parish director of Christian Initiation, the person, known as an "inquirer," may seek acceptance into the Order of Catechumens, through the Rite of Acceptance. During this Rite, the inquirer stands amidst the parish community and states that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Catholic Church. The parish assembly affirms this desire and the inquirer becomes a Catechumen.
• The Period of the Catechumenate can last for as long as several years or for a shorter time. During this time, the Catechumens consider what God is saying to them in the Scriptures, what changes in their life they need to make to respond to God's inspiration, and what Baptism in the Catholic Church means. When a Catechumen and the priest and the parish team working with him or her believes the person is ready to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church, the next step is the request for baptism and the celebration of the Rite of Election. 
• The Rite of Election includes the enrollment of names of all the Catechumens seeking baptism at the coming Easter Vigil. The Catechumens publicly express their desire for baptism to the diocesan bishop. Their names are recorded in a book and they are called the Elect.
• The days of Lent are the final Period of Purification and Enlightenment leading up to the Easter Vigil. Lent is a period of preparation marked by prayer, study, and spiritual direction for the Elect, and prayers for them by the parish communities. The Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation takes place during the Easter Vigil Liturgy on Holy Saturday when the Elect receives the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
• As a newly initiated Catholic, they continue their formation and education continue in the Period of the Post-Baptismal Catechesis, which is also called Mystagogy. This period continues at least until Pentecost. During the period the newly baptized members reflect on their experiences at the Easter Vigil and continue to learn more about the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition they reflect on how they will serve Christ and help in the Church's mission and outreach activities.

                             - USCCB Christian Initiation of Adults. 

For Catholics who have been Baptized, Confirmed and made First Communion but then drifted from the faith, the way they return is through the Sacrament of Penance. If it has been some time since your last Confession, just let the priest know how long you've been away. The priest will know how to help you make a good Confession. 

Catholics who were baptized but never received Confirmation and/or Eucharist also participate in a period of formation. This process of formation is completed with the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion often at the Easter Vigil or during the Easter Season.

Yes! The program for children is called Rite of Christian Initiation for Children. It's generally intended for children ages 6 and older who are/are not baptized and are able to learn and profess the Faith themselves. It is also helpful for older children who may already be baptized but missed receiving the Sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation when they were younger.