Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
For more information, call the Religious Education Office at 610-337-2173

"Proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and invite our brothers and sisters to share our faith and our mission." (Parish Mission Statement)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a spiritual journey for adults who seek to be one with the Catholic Church in her prayers, worship, Sacraments and discipleship. It is a process of learning, faith sharing, and joyful liturgical rites to celebrate what God has already done in their lives.

The journey for those who are not yet baptized is divided into four periods: Pre-Catechumenate, Catechumenate, Purification/Enlightenment, and Mystagogia. After discernment of an individual's readiness, the conclusion of each period is marked by a liturgical celebration ultimately leading to the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Invited to share the journey are those who are baptized in another Christian tradition and wish to become Catholic. Their progress is also marked by liturgical celebrations leading to a Profession of Faith and the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.

Catholics who have not been instructed in the faith and have not received the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or Holy Eucharist participate in the process according to their needs. These adults will be confirmed by the bishop either at the parish or at the cathedral and will receive Holy Eucharist at the same Liturgy.

RCIA is not a program but rather a process of ongoing faith and discipleship formation that requires a firm commitment on the part of the entire parish. The ministries in this process include prayer partners, director, coordinator, hospitality, evangelization, discernment, social events, catechists, parish sponsors, sponsor coordinator, ministers of private prayer and more.

For more information, call the Religious Education Office at 610-337-2173.