What is RCIA?
Parishes welcome new members into the Catholic Church through a process of education, faith sharing, and rituals known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
The RCIA is structured over a series of ceremonial steps and periods of learning, and the timing of these may vary for each individual. One may take as much time as he or she needs in the initiation process before becoming ready for full initiation through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. Initiation within the Church is a journey of conversion that is gradual and ongoing and suited to individual needs. It is a process rather than an educational program and this process takes place within the community of the faithful, the local Church.
This process includes several stages marked by prayer, study, and discussion. Included in the process are several Rites, which take place within the context of the Mass. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) describes the RCIA as a process in which participants "undergo . . . conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments . . . The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."
The RCIA process can be adapted to meet the specific needs of children and youth.
If you would like more information about RCIA, please CLICK HERE to contact Sharon Laronga.
Who is welcome to begin the RCIA Journey?
All people who are open to discerning their personal experience of faith and to learning more about the Catholic Church are welcome to begin the RCIA process. Many people come to an awareness of their desire to learn about membership in the Catholic Church in various and different ways. Often it may be a personal faith experience, overcoming personal difficulty and tragedy, or a relationship or discussion with a person of faith which leads one to begin this exciting journey. All that is truly required is a sincere desire to learn, to grow, and to develop one’s relationship with God. The RCIA process can be applied to the following 3 groups:
Unbaptized persons (age of discretion: 7+ years): who have never been baptized and who need a process to help them grow in awareness to God's call to conversion as well as ways to respond to that call. They are considered catechumens.
Baptized in another Christian church: Those who were baptized into another Christian denomination and wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. They are considered candidates. For baptized Christians interested in possibly joining the Catholic Church, the process will vary depending upon the depth on one's religious and spiritual readiness.
Baptized, but uncatechized Catholic adults: persons who were baptized as infants and not given any religious instruction in the Catholic faith. These adults will be prepared to celebrate the sacraments of penance, confirmation and Eucharist. They are also considered candidates.
It is important to note that “candidates” do not always need to take part in the full process. If they have been actively living the Christian life in another denomination, they are likely to need very little catechesis and may be welcomed into the Church on any Sunday after a short period of preparation. According to the National Statutes for the Catechumenate, "Those baptized persons who have lived as Christians and need only instruction in the Catholic tradition and a degree of probation within the Catholic community should not be asked to undergo a full program parallel to the catechumenate."
In the case of children who have reached the age of reason (age 7), the pastor of the local parish should be consulted for information about Baptism and the other Sacraments of Initiation. Adult Catholics who were baptized and received their First Eucharist in the Catholic Church and are interested in the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact their local parish office. These are Catholics who have been instructed in the Catholic faith but who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation. A separate program of adult Confirmation is available to these Catholics, who are then prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Steps of the Journey
Steps of the Journey The Rite of Christian Initiation is based on the principle that the process of conversion proceeds gradually, in stages. Progress from one stage to the next is marked by a liturgical celebration in the midst of the parish community. The experience and needs of those in each category described above differ, and so the length of time may vary for each person. Yet there are certain similarities among all the groups and the process they will experience. RCIA consists of four periods of formation which are marked by rituals that celebrate what has been completed and that call a person into the next phase.
Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate
The first stage is called the period of inquiry (or the precatechumenate). This is when the individual first expresses an interest in becoming a Catholic, and begins to explore, with the help of the parish community, what his or her relationship with Christ might be and how that relationship might be fulfilled and deepened by joining the Catholic Church. There is no liturgical rite to mark the beginning of this stage. There is no time limit or constraints placed on this period. It is rather a very flexible and open time period, which may take several months or several years. Some people engage in this first stage as a long process of searching and discernment. For others, it is a much shorter period of time. This stage is completed when the inquirer feels ready to move forward and the community is prepared to welcome him or her or decides against continuing in this direction. There is no commitment necessary, and no expectations during this time.
During this period of time individuals, who are called inquirers, are introduced to the person, the life, and the ministry of Jesus Christ. This period revolves around the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) and learning about the Truth expressed in the Gospels. One is introduced to prayer and learns the importance of developing a prayer life. People share their personal stories and their life journeys in a supportive environment and are encouraged to ask questions about the Catholic faith. It is a time for building communion and for listening, learning, sharing, and asking questions. It is a time of initial conversation and conversion.
First Step: Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens
Once the inquirer decides to continue the journey, he or she seeks acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. This is a liturgical rite in which the inquirer states publicly in the midst of the parish community that he or she wants to become a baptized member of the Church. The Church, through the local parish community, affirms this desire by accepting the person and his or her intention to follow God’s call. Included in this rite are the renunciation of false worship, giving of a new name, and the presentation of a cross. The candidate is now affirmed by the local community and strengthened to continue the journey.
For candidates who have already been baptized and are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church, this step is called the Rite of Welcoming the Candidate.
Period of the Catechumenate
The second stage is called the catechumenate and is an extended period which normally lasts one year or longer. For the baptized but uncatechized (not yet educated in the faith), the period should be a similar length. “Candidates” for full communion may complete this stage in a shorter time frame. This is a time of formation and education, and learning is based on Sacred Scripture as well as the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Catechumens learn about Catholic teachings and values, what it means to be a member of the Catholic community, prayer and worship, and are also introduced to the apostolic life. This is also a time for the catechumen or candidate to learn how to live as a Catholic Christian through their faith journey and the support of their parish community. Each individual learns what it means to be a Catholic and what changes they may need to make in their lives. It is a time of deepening one’s faith, initial conversion, and commitment to the Church. This period is marked by rites such as the dismissal rite, blessings, and anointing of catechumens. This period ends when the catechumens and candidates express their desire to receive the sacraments of initiation and the parish community acknowledges their readiness. The catechumen, with the support of the parish team working with him or her, then becomes an “elect,” which is marked by the Rite of Election during the next stage.
Second Step: Rite of Election
The Rite of Election or Enrollment of Names coincides with the beginning of Lent and is celebrated by the Bishop at the cathedral church of the diocese. The Rite includes the official enrollment of names of all those seeking baptism at the Easter Vigil. At this Rite the catechumens publicly request baptism and declare their desire to make a faith commitment to Jesus in the Catholic Church. Parishes normally celebrate the Rite of Sending prior to the Rite of Election. Godparents and catechists testify to the readiness of the catechumens for the sacraments of initiation.
Period of Purification and Enlightenment
The third stage is the period of purification and enlightenment. It coincides with the liturgical season of Lent. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual direction rather than a time of catechetical instruction. This period is intended to enlighten the minds and hearts of the elect with a deeper personal knowledge of Christ. During this time, the elect (formerly the catechumens) and the candidates enter into a period of intense spiritual preparation and prayer which includes the three public celebrations of the scrutinies (for catechumens) and is marked by the presentations of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. The Rite of Election (for catechumens) and the Call to Continuing Conversion (for candidates) are celebrated at the beginning of this stage. A Lenten retreat is offered during this period as final preparations are made for the celebration of the sacraments of initiation. This period ends with the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. (Note: only the elect are baptized. All receive the sacrament of Confirmation and are welcomed at the Eucharistic table. Once a person has received the sacraments of initiation he or she becomes a “neophyte,” which means “beginner” or “novice.”)
Third Step: Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation
At the Easter Vigil, the catechumen receives the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. Now the person is a fully initiated member of the Catholic Church and will continue to live out his or her response to God as a member of this faith community.
Period of Mystagogy
The fourth stage is the period of post baptismal catechesis or mystagogy. At this time, the newly initiated explore their experience of being fully initiated through participation with all the faithful at Sunday Eucharist and through appropriate catechesis. Emphasis is placed on the study of the Gospel, the reception of the Eucharist, and actively living a life of charity, service, and love. The period formally lasts through the Easter season and may be marked by a parish celebration on or near Pentecost. During this time the deeper meaning of the sacraments, the Christian life and prayer is examined. It is a time of growth during which one’s understanding of the faith matures so that he or she can participate more fully in the Mass and in the life of the Church. On a different level, mystagogy is a lifelong process, one that all Christians are engaged in, as we all work to deepen our sense of what it means to live the Christian life.
The Pinnacle of the Journey
The celebration of the Sacrament of Initiation at the Easter Vigil marks the highlight of each person’s spiritual journey, as one celebrates with family and church community full entrance into the Catholic Church. The Liturgy begins with the Service of Light which includes the blessing of the new fire and the Paschal candle which symbolizes Jesus, the light of the World. The second part consists of the Liturgy of the Word with a number of Scripture readings. After the Liturgy of the Word, the candidates are presented to the members of the community, who pray for them and join in the Litany of the Saints. After the Litany and prayer for the elect, the presiding priest blesses the water placing the Easter or Paschal candle into the baptismal water. Those seeking baptism then renounce sin and profess their faith after which they are immersed into the baptismal water three times with the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." In some situations the water may be poured over the head of each candidate.
After the baptism the newly baptized are dressed in white garments and are presented with a candle lighted from the Paschal Candle. The newly baptized are then confirmed by the priest or bishop who imposes his hands on their heads, and invokes the gift of the Holy Spirit. He then anoints them with the oil called Sacred Chrism.
The Mass continues in the usual fashion. At this point the newly baptized can participate in the general intercessions, in bringing their gifts to the altar, as well as sharing in the offering of Christ's sacrifice. At the Communion of the Mass, each of the newly baptized receives the Eucharist, Christ's body and blood, for the first time.
Symbols of the Journey
Symbols are an important part of our lives as Christians and they help to define and express the realities of our Catholic faith.
White Robe – Each newly baptized member of the Church is presented with and dressed in a white garment to symbolize that they have become a new creation in Christ Jesus. They have now clothed themselves in Christ and pledge to always walk in the way of the Lord. The white robe also symbolizes that they have been cleansed of sin and received the gift of new life. It is the outward sign of their Christian dignity and inner devotion to God.
Candle – Each newly baptized member of the Church is also presented with a small baptismal candle, which is lit from the Easter Candle. This candle signifies that this newly baptized Catholic has received the light of Christ and is called to always walk as a child of light. The flame of faith is now to be kept burning brightly in the life of the new Christian.
Sacred Chrism – This oil, called Sacred Chrism, is blessed by the Cardinal at the annual Chrism Mass (In Boston, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross during Holy Week). It is a sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit being given to the newly baptized. It is often called the “chrism of salvation” for it signifies that the person has been saved and blessed by Christ, who himself was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King. The oil is a blessing in which we pray that this newly baptized Catholic will always live as a member of Christ’s body and have a part in the gift of eternal life.
Companions for the Journey
Jesus recognized the importance of community and teamwork in spreading the Gospel, as displayed by the fact that he called a group of apostles and often sent his apostles out two by two. The Church recognizes the importance of support as one progresses through the RCIA process. First of all, candidates journey not alone but together with other adults who are learning about the Catholic Church and also with a team of dedicated people from the parish community who meets with the group regularly to offer assistance and support. Secondly, the Church also gives the inquiring person a sponsor who will share the journey and accompany you at RCIA sessions and other special events. This sponsor, who normally comes from the parish community, is called a godparent for those who have not yet been baptized and a mentor for those who have already been baptized. They are truly companions for the journey of faith and walk with each candidate through each step of the process. The sponsor also connects the candidate to the local parish community. Finally, since the RCIA process takes place within a parish community, the prayers from this community are essential for the journey. Moreover, the prayers of the universal Church are with each candidate, providing spiritual support for the journey and connection to the Church community.
Beginning the Journey
For many people interested in becoming Catholic or entering into full communion with the Catholic Church, the process can be somewhat confusing or intimidating. After all, this is a major decision in one’s life. The decision to join the Church is exciting and will lead to a deepening of personal faith and relationship to God, others, and self. No matter what has brought you here, the fact that you are interested in taking the next step shows your openness to God and God’s call in your life. Many people have come through the RCIA program and are living lives of service, faith, and love. Perhaps you are asking where to begin the journey. The answer is that you have already begun! Welcome to your faith journey! The next step may be to contact your local parish. Most parishes have an RCIA coordinator who would be happy to help you move ahead in your discernment process. Also feel free to contact the pastor and arrange a meeting to discuss your desire to become a full member of the Catholic Church. In many parishes the RCIA program begins in the fall and includes a series of weekly meetings.
RCIA Continued...
The letters “RCIA” stand for the “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults," the document flowing from Vatican II that guides the process by which adults are initiated into our Roman Catholic community. The RCIA describes a process in which men and women are guided and cared for as they awaken in faith and are gradually introduced to the Catholic way of life.
The RCIA process is a series of carefully planned stages, marked by liturgical rites in the presence of the whole community, in which new Catholics embark on and join us in a continuing and deepening conversion into faith and discipleship. The RCIA takes the distinctive history and spiritual needs of each person into account, differentiating between the baptized and the unbaptized, the catechized and the uncatechized. The needs of mature, practicing Christians from other faith traditions are considered on an individual basis.
The RCIA draws its model from the “catechumenate” of the ancient Church. Becoming Christian in the early days of the Church involved a sharp break with the surrounding culture. New Christians entered into the joy of new life and a life-sharing community of faith, but they also entered into a way of living which demanded deep commitment and entailed great risks. In the modern world, our faith also demands deep commitment—our beliefs and the beliefs of our society are often in tension. The Church revived the catechumenate—embodied in the RCIA —because new believers in the modern world need careful preparation and caring support as they enter into the mysteries of Christ and the commitment of Christian living.
If you would like more information about RCIA, please CLICK HERE to contact Sharon Laronga.
Inquiry
During the first period of the journey, the inquiry period, seekers ask hard questions about Christianity and receive truthful, life-sharing answers from Catholic Christians. This is a time of introduction to the gospel of Jesus Christ and of reflection on one’s own life in the light of the values of the reign of God. It is an unstructured time of no fixed duration for questions and an opportunity for the beginnings of Christian faith. The informal discussions during the inquiry period help the seekers link their personal life stories to the Good News as witnessed and lived by the Roman Catholic community. As each inquirer desires to continue the conversion journey within our faith community, he or she is invited to experience the first major rite of the RCIA process, the Rite of Acceptance. Several times each year at Sunday Mass, inquirers enter the second period of the journey, the catechumenate, by being marked with the sign of the cross on the ears, eyes, lips, heart, shoulders, hands and feet—a symbol of both the joys and the costs of Christian discipleship.
Catechumenate
The word catechumenate means “time of serious study," and inquirers who become catechumens—those who have not been baptized—or candidates—baptized Christians who have not been confirmed as Roman Catholics—join us at Sunday Mass during the Liturgy of the Word, after which they move to the Parish Center to continue reflecting on the Scriptures. The length of the catechumenate varies according to individual need. The norm is a year or more.
Our catechumens and candidates do not travel alone during this period. Sponsors are chosen from the parish community to act as spiritual companions who provide personal support, share the experience of Christian life, and help the catechumens and candidates feel “at home” with Catholic religious practice.
Purification and Enlightenment
The period of purification and enlightenment is a time of final preparation for initiation. The period is one of prayer, fasting, and reflection for both catechumens, now known as the Elect, and candidates. During this period, the Elect experience scrutinies and exorcisms, special rites which seal their break with evil in preparation for baptism.
Initiation
The candidates and the Elect are initiated through the third and consummating rite of the RCIA process, the Sacraments of Initiation, at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. On that night, when light drives out darkness, joyful sounds fill the silence, and we proclaim and renew our resurrection hope, the Elect culminate their long journey to initiation in the waters of Baptism—then, with the candidates, the newly baptized are sealed with the oil of Confirmation and share the bread and wine of the Eucharist as full members of the Roman Catholic community.
Mystagogy
Initiation begins the fourth period of the RCIA journey, the mystagogia, which means “leading into the mysteries." The newly initiated meet weekly between Easter and Pentecost to explore and confirm the Easter experience. From Pentecost until the following Easter, mystagogia continues with intermittent meetings. Mystagogia is the final stage of the RCIA process, but it is in turn the beginning of a pilgrimage of lifelong, continuous conversion in full communion with the Roman Catholic community of Christians.
Testimonies
For each of us, Catechumen, Candidate and Catechist alike, RCIA is a very unique and individual journey. On this page several of us who have madethis journey of faith share our personal thoughts.
Pam Tricca
RCIA was a thoughtful, intelligent, provoking process. Clearly, I took my time…was it two or actually three years in the end? Taking that time was certainly good for me. This decision would affect my whole family. As I wrote to Russ somewhere along the line, my husband and I dated for six years. Why wouldn’t making this kind of spiritual commitment take any less time?
What kept me committed to the process from the first day of RCIA and ultimately helped me through the unfortunate timing that put our confirmation right in the middle of this enormous crisis in the Church? The lay people involved in the process. The family of St. Catherine’s. It was the honesty and integrity of the people I met that made it possible to ask the questions I had and, in the end, understand from a lay person’s perspective just what it meant and means to be Catholic. (And quite frankly, it wasn’t so different, for me anyway, from being Protestant.) Through months of discussion, the RCIA process cleared away the mysticism I had created in my mind about the Catholic Church. And it was in the end the acknowledgement that I was not leaving my prior faith experience behind but rather, growing it, maturing it into something new that made it possible to follow the process through to confirmation. At the rite of the election we were welcomed into the Church with an affirmation of bringing our prior faith experiences into the Church to help bring everyone in the Church to a more full and complete experience of faith.
I did not expect to receive this kind of openness. I’m not sure Catholics everywhere would even understand the RCIA process for there is a history of strictness in some areas of the Church. But what matters to me is that there is this process of acceptance and education. I feel comfortable now in the Church, but I’m not so sure I feel particularly Catholic. That is perhaps something that happens over time. I still feel don’t know all the Holy days; I’m sure I don’t know exactly some of the doctrines my child may be taught in Sunday school; and I still sometimes forget to cross myself at the appropriate moments during Mass; and I will always want to sing every verse in a hymn! On the other hand, I do like to bless my children with the Holy Water as we enter and leave church, and I did feel awkward not crossing myself at a recent Protestant memorial service I attended…so it is truly something that grows on you over time!
Two things that helped me work through some of my doubts were a book I’m (still) reading that Mike lent to me, Why Be Catholic?, and feeling confident that there really is one faith (one holy catholic and apostolic faith). The RCIA process gives you the opportunity to answer some questions…and come up with a whole lot more…but that is all part of the journey. And realizing that it is in fact not only acceptable but encouraged as part of the process, to question and test a belief system that make it more tenable.
RCIA is not CCD, which is good and bad. As an adult, you come to this choice from a different perspective, so discussion and spiritual journey drive the process. But there are so many prayers and sacred rituals which children come by through a lifetime of learning that an adult still feels like they’re missing some of the details. The RCIA day at St. Michael’s in Andover was a great help toward that end. I would suggest several of those opportunities throughout the RCIA process. Here was a chance to begin to understand the Rosary, or some of the Saints, and the entire Mass was walked through to explain the meaning of how it is put together. I would attend this day again if I could! Also, St. Catherine’s has it’s own adult education classes, which I hope to participate in now and certainly over the years. It might be helpful for the RCIA catechists and catechumen to specifically tie into some of these classes. Of course, everyone has different schedules and time limitations, but if RCIA planning could know dates in advance or be looking for particular programs and really inform and encourage attendance, it would only augment the process.
The RCIA process at St. Catherine’s is a very positive one and I am glad I now have the associations and a place to begin as we begin this journey with our children. I think that may be an important point to help people understand because it really is only the beginning. My conversion is going to have a great impact on our children. I can honestly say that without my children involved I probably would not have explored the Catholic tradition. I had a great experience growing up in the Protestant tradition and always felt rather stubborn about all the rules and regulations as I saw them in the Catholic Church. I did, however, always like the ritual and sacred-ness of the Mass. It wasn’t until a very good friend of mine (a Catholic woman) challenged me as we discussed what sort of faith experience we wanted to share with our children…she was surprised knowing I was married in a Catholic Church. Surprised that I hadn’t “decided” what we were going to do. (I felt very obstinate and stubborn about complying with a promise I never felt was reasonable to even ask of someone.) “But,” my friend reproached me, “you made a promise. How will your child ever respect a promise if you don’t hold true to yours?” I have to confess, this statement had a great impact. (And,she reminded me that I really didn’t even know what it was I was so “against” seeing as all my negative experiences with the Catholic church were really only second-hand through others.) Well, I had to agree with her.
Many of my issues about the Church, some of which were more supported after my experience at Emmanuel College, were the male hierarchy and the “man-made” rules as I saw (and still see!). Combine that with this horrid scandal and I do oftentimes feel awkward at having chosen this faith in this “modern age.” But I believe the bottom line is our experience with Jesus and God. And if there is any age that we need faith, and particularly a faith that comes through asking some really tough questions and expects some discipline out of its disciples, then surely this is it. I didn’t feel right “shopping around” for a faith that felt “comfortable” as much as the idea did appeal to me at one point. I don’t believe that great faith is very comfortable or easy in the making.
The process I found at RCIA was actively one of open-mindedness, of education, of challenge. It was both personally introspective and socially concerned. It didn’t answer all of my questions or allay all my doubts. But it confirmed a process toward which I could work through and be honest to my faith. And it opened a door to a community of people all working toward that same end! –Pam
Ryan Dunn
The Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process held at St.Catherine’s Church fulfilled my journey of faith. I was baptized into Catholocism as an infant but never completed the rites of initiation. The RCIA program gave me an opportunity to deepen my faith and learn more about Catholicism. The process allows you to explore the depths and details of the Bible in a comforting and enjoyable atmosphere. I think that having the ability to discuss the gospel with a diverse group of adults provides an advantage from those that learned the faith as a child. It allowed me to connect the gospel to my everyday living. I found the most valuable asset to the program is found within the teachers. They include members of the clergy, deacons, and parishoners and offer their own personal and inspriational experiences to develop a candidate’s understanding.
I would highly recommend that interested people take advantage of the RCIA process. The process will allow you to learn far more than you expect and offer more than simply attending weekly mass. -Ryan
Karen Doherty
When I first decided to go through the RCIA program, it was for the sole purpose of having my family be the same religion so we could all attend church together. My husband was Catholic and he wanted our boys to be raised the same. Once I started classes, I discovered there was so much more that I was looking for and that I needed from this program. I learned more about me and my relationship with God, and what He expects from me than I ever imagined. I relaly found a nice, quiet “inner peace”that has helped me through some difficult times.
I think it has helped me appreciate my children more (although I still constantly ask God for more patience). It has helped me be more giving of myself to friends and family. I see it has helped in many areas of my life, and it still continues to grow and evolve.
The catechists in the program were so knowledgeable, giving of themselves and supportive that it made the program very enjoyable. I would recommend to anyone who wants to know more about themselves and their relationship with God to attend a class and see what it can do for their well-being. –Karen
Steve Swan
I have had an extended spiritual and religious journey throughout my life. I believe everyone is always on a spiritual journey. I was raised in a household of mixed Protestant religions, and we were not regular church-goers. But we were Christian, and the members of my family are all spiritual in our own ways. I married a Catholic, and we’ve raised our two children in the Catholic tradition. Until RCIA, I had always been a Christian, and I found many parts of the Catholic faith to be appealing, but I was searching and unsure.
Becoming part of St. Catherine’s in 1996 began to make me feel more comfortable in church. The community, the music –all of it made my religious experience more complete. But I was still searching, as we all are. I heard about the RCIA program during mass, and quietly considered it as a logical next step. I had been married to a Catholic for 10 years, but we all know that the searching goes on forever! I had not been “ready” up to that point, but I saw RCIA as a way to see for myself if I was ready to take the next step.
The RCIA experience itself was trememdously rewarding. The learning and depth of inquiry were invaluable. All of my fellow candidates were craving insights, and the wonderful catechists provided direction and knowledge. We eagerly participated in our Sunday conversations, and studied and shared the faith with keen interest. I learned a lot, and made good friends. Most importantly, the RCIA experience made me feel comfortable and at home in the Catholic faith. Taking the next step into full communion with the Church then came very naturally. –Steve
Sandy Moytl
Before I began with the RCIA program, I had attended Mass with my husband for almost 10 years. Every year, I would consider taking part in RCIA, but would decide for one reason or another that it didn’t make sense for me. I finally made the decision to give it a try, and I’m extremely glad that I did. The group of people that lead the meetings are very enthusiastic, caring, knowledgeable people. The entire process was very rewarding, and every week I looked forward to our meetings. I would recommend to those considering it that you go to a couple meetings and try it out. There is no pressure to stay if it is not the right time for you. –Sandy