Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

In parishes throughout the United States, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is being implemented in parish communities that profess and live out their faith every day. Through the parish community’s witness, the catechumens and candidates learn what it means to be a Catholic. The parish shares our Catholic traditions, values, beliefs, rituals and stories in such a manner that the catechumens and candidates begin to embrace and live their faith in daily life. An essential aspect of Catholic life is lived in the public sphere. Therefore, catechumens and candidates should be exposed to the social teachings of the Church. With a solid understanding of Catholic social teaching, they can live as faithful citizens.

Liturgies of the word provide the setting for exploring the scriptural foundations, the teachings, and the life of the Church. The lessons learned from the implementation of the RCIA often inform other parish programming. For example, the importance of the Liturgy of the Word and the liturgical year in the initiation process has had a profound impact on children and adolescent formation programs, small faith communities and other opportunities for adult learning. Programs now explore Catholic teaching through the lens of the liturgical year, Sunday after Sunday.

RCIA is a journey of conversion. The team and sponsors who walk with the candidates - supporting them, praying for them, witnessing to their faith, guiding them along the path - cannot help but experience some kind of conversion themselves. And a Christian community that supports, prays for, guides and celebrates with RCIA candidates, also renews its own conversion to God in Christ.

When the members of the parish recommit themselves to Christ, the parish is indeed renewed. RCIA is a walk of faith, a journey through the tradition, theology and morality that is being Catholic in today’s world. Indeed, we Catholics believe that conversion to Jesus Christ is a lifelong and ongoing process.

This is not a journey taken alone. The RCIA team will be with you as we look at liturgy, scripture and sacraments; and the parish will be with you in prayer. If you have been thinking about becoming Catholic.. If you would like to know more before you decide..  Please look into taking this marvelous journey with us this year..

Please click here to email the RCIA coordinator if you have questions or would like to be contacted.

Holy Trinity Parish