Each year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, thousands of are baptized into the Catholic Church in the United States. Parishes welcome these new Catholics through the
Becoming Catholic (RCIA)
From September until Easter, RCIA sessions take place in the Youth Center. Please contact RCIA director, Father John Barry, for the current schedule.
The Becoming Catholic (RCIA) program includes teachings, Q & A sessions and moving videos as well as discussions on all topics that pertain to Catholic Life. If one so chooses, it may lead to becoming a Catholic or completing the rites that form the initiation into Catholic life (Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion offered). A team under Fr. Barry offers weekly programs of Catholicism information (catechism) and heart conversion.
‘Just looking’ persons wanting to understand the Catholic Church are also welcome; we’d be glad if you decide to join us.
What is the RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which the Catholic Church welcomes new members into its midst. Would you like to explore the Catholic Church and the faith of Catholic Christianity? Are you interested in becoming a full member of the Catholic Church?
If so, then RCIA is for you. RCIA is a year-long journey of exploration and initiation into the Catholic Church. RCIA is a fun, safe, faith-building discovery of Jesus Christ and the Church he loves. RCIA will change your life. It will bring you closer to Jesus. Is God calling you now? Are you ready to take that step in faith? The Catholic Church welcomes you.
What is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children/Teens (RCIC)?
Children and teens in Grades 1-12, who have not yet been baptized, received First Communion and/or Confirmation may be enrolled in the Sacramental Preparation Religious Education program. If fully prepared they will receive the sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation and/or Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. The RCIC syllabus is adapted for their age.
For more information about RCIC, please contact: Helene Stever, Director of Religious Education and Youth Ministry, 301-288-4664, email.
Living Resurrection: Jesus is Risen ~ Go and tell the world!
Know someone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith? Do you desire the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, or Confirmation?
Consider joining the RCIA, the process of learning about and becoming Catholic.
First Meeting will be held virtually: Monday, September 14 at 7:00 PM
Who can participate in the RCIA?
- The unbaptized who are seeking to find out more about God’s place in their lives.
- Those baptized in another Christian tradition who wish to learn about the Catholic faith.
- Catholics who are baptized, but who have not yet received the sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation.
RCIA is done in four different stages:
- The Precatechumenate or Inquiry Period – This is a time of asking questions, building community and trust, learning about the Church and it is a time of learning in prayer about conversion.
- The Catechumenate – This is a longer period marked by continuing to learn about the basic teachings of the Church, continuing to build community, entering more deeply into prayer and reflecting on the Word of God.
- The Period Of Enlightenment And Purification – This is a more intense period of preparing to receive the Easter Sacraments of Initiation. This period runs during Lent and is a time of deep prayer, conversion, continued instruction, and listening to God’s voice.
- Mystagogy – The period when the newly initiated Catholics are drawn more deeply into the life of the Church.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the RCIA process last?
For most people the process lasts nine months.
Who should attend the classes?
RCIA is for adults who want to be baptized, baptized Christians of other faith traditions who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or becoming Catholic, and baptized Catholics who have not yet received their first Communion or Confirmation.
How do I register?
You can register the first week of RCIA.
Are you high-pressure about becoming Catholic?
Not at all. We want to assist you in discerning God’s will for your life at this time. There is no pressure at all. We will help you through prayer, answering questions, and talking with you. We are merely here to help in whatever way we can.