Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.)

The Rite of Christian initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is the process for welcoming and initiating new members into the Catholic faith community. It is a spiritual journey of adults that has its roots in the very beginning of the Church. It was an integral part of the early Christian tradition. Persons who were seeking admission into the Church learned what it meant to follow Jesus Christ through the example and the teachings of the Christian community.

Although its ancient roots date back to the earliest days of the Church, the revival of this process has brought about a refreshing new approach to discovering the many wonders of Christianity and the Roman Catholic expression of this Faith. In the recent past, the Church had rediscovered the communal dimension of the "conversion" process. The Parish Community now shares its life with its new members and offers them support and encouragement as they journey through the process.

The R.C.I.A. process is for people seeking either Baptism into the Catholic Church or those persons from other Christian traditions seeking to convert to Catholicism. Although the program "officially" begins in October, it is possible to begin learning more about it now. There is no pressure or obligation.

Upcoming Program for 2009

Classes for adults interested in becoming Catholic and those interested in completing their sacrament of Confirmation will begin on January 19, 2009. Each class will run about 2 hours and will meet on a weekly basis from January through May.

If you are interested in attending this program or would like more information about the program and where it will be held, please contact Deacon Ron Freedman through the Parish Office at 860-872-0200 or directly at 860-870-3824.