RCIA Overview

What is RCIA?

RCIA is short for Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is the process for adults thinking about or desiring to become full members of the Roman Catholic community. This process is the outgrowth of Vatican Council II restoring the practice of initiating adults in the Catholic Christian community. The local community prepares men and women through Worship, Word, and Witness. The process involves responding to an often unexplainable call around the word of God. This process focuses on discerning God’s invitation to live a Catholic Christian life and leading to serving Jesus in daily life. (The RCIA: Transforming the Church. Thomas H. Morris. (New York: Paulist Press, 1989.) The process culminates with persons being baptized or renewing their baptismal promises, being Confirmed, and making their First Eucharist. Usually this takes place during the Easter Vigil service.

Who can participate?

RCIA is for any adult and older teen (17 years or more) who is not Catholic and is interested in becoming Catholic. It is also for any adult (and older teen (17 years or more) baptized Catholic who has NOT made their First Eucharist and/or Confirmation. While not required,some Catholics who have been away from their church community for a very long time (i.e. several years or more), have found it helpful as a way to reconnect with their faith community.

When will classes be starting?

A new group will be starting in fall, 2012.  Typically weekly sessions are held on Sunday mornings, beginning with 9 AM Mass and continuing until about 11 AM.   Throughout the year there are several Saturday retreats which take the place of Sunday sessions.

Who Can Be A Sponsor?

Any adult who is a fully initiated Catholic can be a sponsor. "Fully initiated" means a person having been Baptized, made their First Eucharist (Communion) and been Confirmed.Since the role of the Sponsor is an important one, a practicing Catholic usually serves more effectively. According to Church Law, a parent is not allowed to serve as a Sponsor for their child - regardless of the age.

Why are Sponsors Needed in the RCIA Process?

Sponsors serve their participant in several ways. They act as a support along this journey or path.They answer questions and clarify understandings as they unfold in classes and in daily life. If a participant is absent for some reason, they are to help their person make up the missed work. Finally, they usually act as the official witness for Baptism, Confirmation, and during the special prayer ceremonies during the year.

What If I Want To More Information?

You are encouraged to contact Alice Robeson, RCIA/RCIC Coordinator, for details. Alice can be reached by phone at 394-1220 x37 or by email at <arobeson@dor.org>
She will be happy to respond to your questions and invite you come for a personal visit.

How Can I Help A Friend Who Is Thinking About Becoming Catholic?

You can help your friend in several ways. You can:

•  pray for the person who is trying to decide
•  talk with your friend and share how meaningful your faith is
•  bring your friend to Mass or to a parish event
•  encourage your friend to contact the coordinator with any questions
•  accompany your friend to their first visit with the coordinator

What if I Have Children Who Are Not Catholic?

Children who are 6 years old or younger are baptized with both parents’ consent.Classes for parents are held on an-on-going basis. Please contact Deacon Claude at
394-1220 x15 or email at <clester@dor.org> Children who are ages 7 through 16
need to participate in the RCIC classes on Sunday mornings. The RCIC process
follows a similar process and calendar with classes age appropriate. For further details, contact the Coordinator at 394-1220 x37 or by email at <arobeson@dor.org>

What If I Am Not Catholic and Want To Get Married In the Church?

If couples want to be married within our Catholic faith community, only one person needs to be Catholic to marry in the church. If a non-Catholic freely chooses to become Catholic, they are certainly welcome to do so. A couple also needs to attend several sessions on preparing for marriage. If a person has been previously married, additional meetings may be needed. For more details about preparing for and scheduling a marriage date, please contact any of the following: Fr. Thomas P Mull at 394-1220 x31 or <fmull@dor.org>OR Deacon Claude Lester at 394-1220 x15 or <clester@dor.org>.