The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, RCIA is designed for adults who, after hearing the mystery of Christ proclaimed, consciously and freely seek the living God and enter the way of faith and conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts. By God’s help they will be strengthened spiritually during their preparation and at the proper time will receive the sacraments fruitfully.
This process includes not simply the celebration of the sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, but also a time for evangelization and the Catechumenate, an extended period during which the candidates are given suitable pastoral formation and guidance, aimed at training them in the Christian life.
The RCIA program is for adults and children over the age of 7 who have not been baptized. It is also meant for adults who having received the sacrament of Baptism in another Christian denomination, wish to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church and adult Catholics who have not yet completed their Christian Initiation, they have not received Confirmation or made their First Holy Communion.
Those participating in the RCIA program meet once a week with a team of catechists. Meetings begin in mid-September. As a general rule, Catechumens receive the sacraments of initiation during the Easter Vigil, Baptized Catholics receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation during the Easter season. Christians from other denominations are received in full communion by the Archbishop during a celebration at the Cathedral of St. Mary. Enrollment begins around the beginning of the School year.