Interested in

Catholicism?

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Catholic Church or is interested in becoming Catholic can contact Joe Velie (265-4557) to answer any questions or for more information. Those who wish to join the Catholic Church would do so through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

What is the Rite of Christian

Initiation for Adults?

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA, is the rite through which people who are not Catholic enter the Catholic Church. Someone who has never been baptized becomes a catechumen. The word catechumen is a Greek word, which means “one in whom word echoes.” Through RCIA, the catechumen is prepared for entry into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, that is, the Saturday evening before Easter Sunday. RCIA is also for those who have already been baptized and wish to enter the Catholic Church. Someone who is baptized in a different denomination is called a candidate. They typically enter the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil as well. Catechumens and candidates have a special place in the heart of the Catholic Church. The Church’s documents state “From the moment of their entry (into the RCIA) the Church surrounds catechumens (and candidates) with her affection, her care, as though they are already her children and joined to her.”