Frequently asked questions

I want to learn more about the Catholic faith but I am not ready to join.

The R.C.I.A. process is designed for the inquirer.  The sessions are designed to provide you with the opportunity to learn and ask your questions in a relaxed environment. There is no expectation to join the Catholic Church after attending the sessions.  You will be invited and encouraged but never forced.  You will join when you are ready.

I am sure I want to join the Catholic Church where do I begin?
Complete the  Inquirer Form and the Parish Office will connect you with the Pastor or Deacon.  This will begin your journey into the Catholic Church.  Each person's journey is unique and the Pastor/Deacon will  determine which path will be most fruitful and fulfilling for you.

Does it take a year before I can join the Catholic Church?
Joining the Catholic Church is not about passing a test on Catholicism; rather it is about learning and living the Gospel of Jesus in the context of the parish and wider Catholic community.  Thus, every person's journey is different and the length of time different.  Although most people are received into the Church at Easter Vigil, this does not apply to everyone and that is okay.  

What does the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) Process involve?
There are 4 steps in the R.C.I.A. process:

• Period of Evangelization and Precatechumenate: A time for questions and initial stirrings of conversion to Christ. The period ends with the “Rite of Welcoming and Acceptance” during Mass near the beginning of the liturgical year (early December).
• Period of the Catechumenate: Those inquirers who participated in the Rite of Acceptance are now catechumens (meaning "one being instructed") and are taught various Catholic doctrines and traditions in more depth and are strengthened through blessings and other rites. The period ends with the "Rite of Sending & Rite of Election" on the first Sunday of Lent.
• Period of Purification & Enlightenment: A time for more intense spiritual preparation for the upcoming sacraments. This period coincides with Lent, and the format of RCIA shifts from having classes to participating in rites & scrutinies during the Mass. This period ends on the Easter Vigil with the reception of the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.
• Period of Mystagogy & the Neophyte Year: A time to unpack the grace and meaning of the sacraments as a new Catholic! Classes resume for Mystagogy lasting until Pentecost (50 days after Easter).  At this time, RCIA formally concludes.