How can I become a Roman Catholic?

A Brief Introduction to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The first step in becoming a Roman Catholic is to contact a Catholic parish in your area. Most parishes today have R.C.I.A. classes you can attend. In these classes you will have the opportunity to learn about the Catholic faith, how Catholics live out there faith in everyday life, and how our Lord Jesus Christ is the center of every faithful Catholic person's life.

A typical RCIA schedule will include the following:

I. FIRST STEP - PERIOD OF INQUIRY

During this period, you can learn what the RCIA is all about, how God calls us to the Truth, the Word of God, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This first step gives you a chance to decide whether to continue the RCIA classes or not.

II. SECOND STEP - RITE OF ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ORDER OF CATECHUMENS AND THE PERIOD OF THE CATECHUMENATE

During this period, you will be recognized by the Church as someone interested in attaining full communion with the Catholic Church. You will also begin to study the ways of experiencing the church, Jesus: God and man, prayer life, Christian morality, sin in our lives, and conversion of heart and forgiveness.

III. THIRD STEP - RITE OF ELECTION AND THE PERIOD OF PURIFICATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT

During this period, you will have the opportunity to officially request entrance to the Church through the Easter Sacraments of Initiation. Church responds to this request by saying, in effect, " We confirm God's call to faith in your life, and will welcome you into the Church this Easter. This step usually begins on the first Sunday of Lent and continues for the 40 days up to Easter. You will learn about the Sacraments of the Church during this period.

IV. FOURTH STEP - INITIATION AND MYSTAGOGIA

During this period, you officially enter the Catholic Church on Holy Saturday (Vigil Mass of Easter). You will also finish the RCIA classes with further discussions on the Sacraments, Mary and the Saints, and Ministries in our parish community.

The RCIA classes are open to any one who is interested in the Catholic Church. People who are just interested in learning about the Church but are not seeking initiation. People who are seeking initiation into the Church Baptized Catholics who have not received all of the other Sacraments of Initiation (Holy Eucharist, Confirmation) Catholics who wish to "brush up" on the teachings of the Catholic Church

Back to Top