Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

RCIA stands for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is a process (not a program) modeled after the Church’s ancient practice of initiating adults (including children 7 years of age) into the community of believers through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Conversion is at the heart of the RCIA process.

What is Conversion?

Conversion is change. Conversion is an ongoing process that takes time. First we must allow ourselves to discover God’s love in our life. We must begin to feel God “pulling” us toward a life that is modeled after the life of Jesus. Once we begin to accept that we feel ourselves being pulled toward God, we must search out those things in our lives that are pulling us in the opposite direction – away from God. These are the things we are challenged to change.

You will have plenty of time to discover when or if you are being called by God to live out your journey of faith as a Roman Catholic. Along the way, you will celebrate various liturgical rites that mark your ongoing conversion process. When the time is right you will celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) in the midst of the faith community that you now call your own.

Will I be all Alone?

The answer to this question is “no”. None of us makes our journey of faith alone. You will be surrounded and supported by the Faith Community of the Church of St. Jude. A member of the parish, your sponsor, will be with for support and encouragement.

How long does it take?

It takes as long as it takes. Each of us comes to the process with different life experiences, with different needs and with different questions and concerns. The process honors those differences by allowing each individual to journey at their own speed and according to God’s plan.