What IS RCIA?

Have you been thinking about joining the Catholic Church? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, RCIA, is not just another class. It is a personal journey of faith. It introduces you to the beliefs and practices of the faith. RCIA helps you to understand and learn more about our rituals and our grace filled sacraments. It will help you to learn what it means to be Christian. This journey will allow you to develop your personal relationship with God and will show you what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

We welcome all those who are new to the faith, the unbaptized or baptized, and those who are baptized Catholic but may still need to receive sacraments. We are here to assist you on your faith journey.

Who Should Come To RCIA?

• People who have never been baptized
  
• People who have been brought up in another faith; but they are interested in the Catholic faith
  
• People who were baptized Catholic; but they have not received the Sacraments of Communion or Confirmation
  
• People who are married to Catholics and would like to know more about the Catholic faith
  
• People who feel the prompting of God’s Spirit
  

How Long Does It Take to Become a Member of the Catholic Church?

Remember, this is a journey, and everyone’s journey may look different. Those who have never been baptized are welcomed into the church through

the sacraments of initiation during the Easter Vigil Mass, the holiest night in the liturgical year. The Easter Vigil Mass is celebrated the evening before Easter Sunday.

For those already baptized individuals, seeking full reception into the Catholic Church, or those seeking to complete sacraments, there is no “set” time to come into the Church. The focus is on a conversion of heart and desire to become a disciple of Christ.

Remember, this is a journey.

When does RCIA typically meet?

The RCIA team typically meets one evening during the week and occasionally on additional days. The RCIA team is very willing to work with your schedule.

How to start? 

Starting is easy just email Cathy at cburlingame@joanofarc.org to discuss a time to meet and learn more about the process to become Catholic. Meeting is not a commitment – just a chance for you to ask questions. Every journey starts with a single step. We look forward to meeting you.