Do you ever ask yourself…
What am I looking for in life?
What is the meaning of my life?
How can I be a better person?
What can I do about the loneliness I feel?
How can I come to know God’s love?
How can I know the right path God has in store for me?
If you are asking yourself some of these questions, or questions like them, the Catholic way of life awaits you. For centuries, people have turned to the Church to find the answers to the deepest and hardest questions of everyday life. Are you interested in finding out more about how to become a Catholic?
Check out this short video for more information on How does someone become Catholic?
We meet on Sundays at 12:15 pm-1:30 pm
The First session will be on September 17, 2023 in the chapel. Feel free to come any day.
Please give us a call or email if you have questions, would like further information, or to let us know you are coming to a session. Contact Steve Branning in the Parish Office (757) 340-7231 or email [email protected]
RCIA FAQs
What is RCIA? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is the liturgical process concerned with the total spiritual formation of a person that enables an individual to become Catholic. The gradual development culminates in the celebration of the Initiation Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, usually at the Easter Vigil celebration. If you or anyone you know is interested in inquiring about how to become Catholic, or are already Catholic but requires additional sacraments, you are most welcome to come to a meeting to find out more about the process.
Who is this for?
1. Persons in need of baptism.
2. Persons baptized in another Christian tradition who desire to become Catholic.
3. Persons baptized Catholic in need of First Communion and/or Confirmation.
Why do people become interested in the RCIA?
The decision to join the Catholic Church is personal for everyone. Many people choose to join the Church because of a desire for Christ and His Sacraments. Some become interested in the RCIA when they approach a milestone in their life, such as planning a wedding to a Catholic. They would like to start their marriage with both partners being of the same faith. Some, who are already married, find that they would like to be a family that “prays together.” A non-Catholic parent may find his interest in Catholicism growing on the occasion of his child’s First Holy Communion. Others have had a personal experience of faith leading them to find out more. Some are baptized Catholics who never received religious instruction in their youth and would like to share fully in the sacramental life of the Church.
What kind of people are part of the RCIA process?
Any and all people who are interested in or curious about Catholicism can come to the RCIA sessions. Those who wish to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church may choose to do so after the initial period inquiry.
What are the religious backgrounds of those who become part of the RCIA?
All religious backgrounds are welcome. No formal religious education is required prior to joining RCIA.
I was already baptized in a non-Catholic church. Do I have to be baptized again?
As Catholics, we confess ONE BAPTISM for the forgiveness of sins. So generally, a person would not be “re-baptized”. Most Christian baptisms done with water and the Trinitarian formula are considered valid in the Catholic Church. Therefore, those candidates would make a Profession of Faith in order to become a Catholic. A copy of the Baptismal certificate is required.
What happens at RCIA?
The RCIA process, coordinated by a team of parishioners, involves participants in weekly sessions held on Sundays. The format includes praying, reading from texts and listening to presentations, the questioning and sharing of information – especially material from the Bible and from Catholic tradition and teaching. There are various experiences in class and in church, at Mass.
What if I’m not sure I want to become Catholic?
For any decision in life, it’s best to be informed about the choices available. What better way than to be part of a group discussing aspects of Catholicism? There is never any pressure to join the Catholic Church at RCIA – only the learning, and to some extent, the living of it.
More Questions? Know someone who might be interested?
Contact Steve in the parish office.