The short answer is you! When any parish has many inquirers year after year, it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit as parish members opens their hearts to welcome others. Members of a welcoming and evangelizing community take seriously their call to share the Divine message of salvation. It happens in parish families, in the workplace, in gatherings with friends and neighbors, and in daily contacts. Give thanks to God as he continuously strengthens each of us who seek to do his will in offering a gentle, humble, and clear welcome to the Catholic faith.

“Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners, Bibles are given to every adult and child in our RCIA process as a gift from our parish community. Our parish RCIA process is in need of donations for Bibles to give to our adults and children inquiring to be one with us. Bibles donated for those in the RCIA process are given to participants at a special time during our weekly gatherings. The cost is $15. Please make checks payable to our parish and indicate at the bottom that it is for an RCIA Bible. Thank you.

“Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal.” (Joshua 1:8)

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process, established for the universal Church, for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This initiation process also involves a parish community experiencing a renewal in faith as it prepares and welcomes new members into the Church. The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey.”

Centered on fostering a deep relationship with Jesus and the Church he founded, this journey takes place through distinct stages over a period of time suitable to bring about a thorough catechesis, significant experience of the parish community, and commitment to the liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful. The RCIA process is a restoration of the ancient catechumenate, arising within the first three centuries following the era of the apostles. It was the early Church’s way of Christianizing the pagan Roman Empire. The Second Vatican Council called for the restoration and use of this venerable and powerful method of initiation for the worldwide Church.

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.

At most parishes, the person was given individual instruction by the parish priest, or someone delegated by him.

Why the change?

There were a number of limitations to private instruction. The priest was the only member of the Catholic community with whom the inquirer had contact, apart from any supporting family and friends. Private instruction did not ensure that the inquirer had a lived experience of the Catholic faith, or was exposed to authentic Christian charity as lived in a parish community.