R.C.I.A.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) welcomes new members into the Catholic faith through education, faith sharing, friendship, and hospitality. The program prepares and initiates candidates into the Catholic faith.

There are many opportunities for parishioners to assist in the RCIA program. These include: Team Member, One who is able to facilitate class sessions on Sunday mornings and to assist in the administrative duties of the RCIA; Mentor, One who is the personal representative of the church for the candidate or catechumen and is a companion during the formation period, including all Rites; Prayer Sponsor, One who adds to his/her daily prayers a specific candidate or catechumen and writes letters to their candidate or mentor during the initiation process; Hospitality Teams, Hospitality is provided each week by a different organization or group of the parish; Reception Planner, One who plans and executes the parish reception after the Easter Vigil.

Each parish administers an RCIA program to prepare candidates to join fully into the Catholic community of faith. Individual parishes work within diocesan guidelines to prepare these candidates. Study begins in the fall of each year and the parish is introduced to the candidates at several times throughout the year. All are invited to pray for them as they progress on their faith journey, with formal induction of candidates at the Easter Vigil services.

A mentor or team member is one who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist and whose marital status is reflective of the marriage beliefs of the Church. Mentors commit 2 hours per week for approximately eight months. Team members commit 3-4 hours per week for approximately eight months and facilitate Sunday class sessions approximately 6 times per year. The hospitality teams commit 1-2 hours per year. The reception planner commits to approximately 8-10 hours per year.