Faith Formation: Adults

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (often abbreviated RCIA) is the process through which interested adults and older children are gradually introduced to the Roman Catholic faith and way of life. Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are the rites of entry into the Catholic Christian community. For those whose adult faith journey brings them to Christ, the Catholic Church recommends a significant period of exploration, study and prayer prior to their initiation. Beginning in the autumn of the year, baptized Catholics seeking Confirmation and First Eucharist, persons from other faith traditions who desire initiation into the Catholic faith community, and unbaptized persons who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith are welcomed to join this journey.

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) process has been designed to provide a relaxed, friendly and deeply spiritual way for un-baptized persons and Non-Catholic Christians to:

1. Pray together with a welcoming group of Catholics,
2. Learn more about the Catholic faith,
3. Discern if they are called to be come members of the Catholic Church,
4. If they are called, to prepare for and receive the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.

RCIA can also provide sacramental preparation for adult/teen Catholics who have not yet received Eucharist or Confirmation.

Children over age 4 who wish to become Catholic (with parental consent) do so through an RCIA process that has been adapted for the developmental needs of children.

The RCIA process at St. A's normally begins in September, meeting weekly on a weekday evening until the Easter Vigil in March or April.  However, the process can be adapted for those with schedule issues.

For details on the normal RCIA process, or on adapting RCIA to fit your schedule, please call the faith formation office.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC: Those wishing to share in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church are invited to contact the Parish Office. This specifically applies to those wishing to be baptized, who have not previously shared in the Eucharist, who have not sought to share the sacrament of Confirmation, or those raised in another faith but now choosing to share our Catholic faith.

We welcome those who are interested in becoming Roman Catholic Christians, through a program of formation and prayer. Contact one of the parish priests
for details and a personal interview.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the official process of the Church that brings people into the fullness of life through the Catholic faith.  Individuals are invited to discover how a life centered with God brings fulfilling joy.  We pray, discern, share, and grow together in a relaxed and deeply spiritual atmosphere.  

• We invite individuals who have never been baptized and those baptized in another Christian denomination to inquire.  Also, baptized Catholics, who have not received Confirmation or Eucharist should contact the Faith Formation Office.

• Older youth and teens who have never been baptized or baptized in another Christian denomination can participate through this journey of faith with formation that is dynamically inspired and created specifically for them.  These adapted RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) discerning gatherings help to meet youth where they are while encouraging, inviting, and inspiring them to embrace a joy-filled life in a dynamic relationship with God.

Seeking to know more about the Catholic faith?
If you or someone you know is interested in discovering more about the joy of Catholicism, then anticipate joining us for our initial “Come and See” gathering at St. Teresa of Avila Parish in September in the Interior Castle Coffee House & Spiritual Library to hear inspirational testimony from those who have walked the journey of faith through RCIA.  Come and see how Jesus transform lives through His love!

Please contact the parish at 412-367-9001, ext. 500.