RCIA

The initials RCIA stand for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. It is the rite by which the Catholic community welcomes adults into the Catholic Faith.

What are the first steps of R.C.I.A.?

Prior to beginning the RCIA process, an individual comes to some knowledge of Jesus Christ and considers his/her relationship with Jesus Christ and is usually attracted in some way to the Catholic Church.

This 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. Often, an encounter with people of faith and/or a personal faith experience leads one to inquire about the Catholic Church. 

What is meant by coming into full communion with the Church?

Coming into full communion with the Catholic Church describes the process for entrance into the Catholic Church for those already baptized as Christians. In most cases, these individuals make a profession of faith but are not baptized again. To prepare for this reception, the individual, who is called a Candidate, participates in a formation program to help them understand and experience the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.

Our R.C.I.A. program at Our Lady of Peace:

Classes begin in late August and continue after Easter. We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm. Our curriculum incorporates Church-approved resources for a balanced catechetical and spiritual learning experience. These resources include "Journey of Faith" from Liguori Press along with the Catechism of the Catholic Church and The New American Bible.

If you have any questions about our program or are interested in learning more about the RCIA process, call Tammie Mang, Director of Faith Formation at 814-838-9983.