RCIA

Becoming Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.), is a process whereby adults and families are welcomed and received into the Roman Catholic Church. The entire community participates in one way or another in this four-stage process. It is a way of learning about the various aspects of Church life: liturgy, belief, morality, prayer, and outreach, all in the context of developing an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. The process culminates with the celebration of the Easter Vigil when the catechumens are fully initiated into the faith and receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confession, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist.

Director: Beth Nguyen

For further information send us a quick note

Come by the parish office to register. There is no fee for registration.

How can I get baptized?

The Catholic Church has a special process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA, for short) for adults who wish to be baptized. This process is designed to welcome and prepare people to celebrate baptism through a series of gatherings, rituals, classes and small groups. The purpose is to foster a relationship with God and with the community, to encourage a spirit of faith and charity, to teach or review the basics of the Catholic faith, to prepare for the sacraments, and to help the person feel “at home” in the Catholic Church.

If I’ve been baptized in another Christian Church, will I be baptized again?

We normally recognize as valid any baptism performed by pouring or immersion with water and the words “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This would include the baptism of most mainline Christian Churches. In this case, a person would not be baptized again.

What is meant when people refer to men and women coming into “full communion with the Catholic Church”?

When men and women who are baptized Christians but not Roman Catholics wish to become Catholics , they are coming into “full communion with the Catholic Church” through a process similar to the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). These people make a profession of faith but are not baptized again.

How long does it take?

The time required may vary-- depending upon the background and circumstances of the individual. Normally a person who is not baptized would participate in the RCIA process for a minimum of one year from the time of beginning. For persons who are baptized in another Christian denomination, the time frame may vary widely depending on their commitment to Jesus Christ, how active they have been in other Christian communities, and other factors.

Why does it take so long?

The person can build a good foundation for lifelong formation and an ever deepening relationship with God, moving at God’s pace, not too fast or too slow, during a year’s time. Also each person can experience the richness of the Church’s different seasons and feasts through the year and have an opportunity to enter fully into the life of the community.

What is a sponsor? How do I find one?

A sponsor is a baptized, confirmed adult Catholic, one who regularly participates in Mass and lives a moral life who serves as a mentor and guide to the candidate during the RCIA process. Normally the sponsor is a member of the parish or lives close by so that they can participate in classes and rituals with the candidate. If the candidate does not know of anyone to be a sponsor, then the team will find someone to serve in this role.

RCIA FORMATION TEAM

Deacon Julio Dimas
Leonard Lee
Jackie Lee
Paul Koehler

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