Are you interested in becoming Catholic?  Do you have questions about the Catholic Church – her teachings, practices, and vision of God and the world?

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RCIA – the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults – is a parish ministry devoted to welcoming those interested in exploring these types of questions.

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To be welcomed, fill out this form and email it to Mark Christian or drop off a printed copy to the parish office.

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The RCIA ministry goals are to:

• Assist inquirers in discerning whether God is calling them into full communion with the Catholic Church.

• Accompany inquirers as they are welcomed as catechumens preparing for Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. 

• Help provide (for inquirers who have been baptized in another Christian tradition) an orientation to the distinctive teachings and practices of the Catholic Church as they prepare to make a profession of faith and receive Confirmation and the Eucharist.

• Be hospitable, providing an encouraging environment for listening and responding to God’s call.

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“In the Sacraments of Christian initiation we are freed from the power of darkness and joined to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  We receive the Spirit of filial adoption and are part of the entire people of God in the celebration of the memorial of the Lord’s death and resurrection.”
                                                                                                                      –paragraph 1, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

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The RCIA ministry meets throughout the year, so you may connect with us at any time. The process consists of two parts:

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Inquiry Sessions: Wednesday gatherings that include other inquirers asking questions and engaging a variety of topics relating to the life and teachings of the Catholic Church. 

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Sunday Sessions: We attend the 9:00AM Sunday Mass and then meet after the homily (sermon) for special sessions that last until around 11:00AM.

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Persons preparing for Baptism are encouraged to participate in RCIA for approximately one year. Those who have been baptized and part of another Christian tradition typically participate for four to six months.  The exact timeline is flexible; the ministry's goal is for every participant to grow in faith, to come to a deeper love of God and neighbor, and to be equipped for meaningful participation in the life of the Catholic Church.

 

If you are interested in learning more about becoming Catholic, contact Mark Christian, Director of Adult Formation, at mchristian@staloysiusparish.com or 225-343-6657, ext 28.  You may join us for an Inquirer’s Gathering that meets most Wednesdays at 7:00PM in the St. Katharine Drexel Room in Gonzaga Hall.