Karen Guglielmoni
Director of Faith Formation
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults from other faith traditions are received into full communion with the Catholic Church. RCIA is a journey of faith that not-yet baptized adults, as well as baptized adults, complete with the help of a sponsor, the catechists, the discernment team, and above all, on the strength of their own conviction and desire to grow in their faith.
The RCIA process at Sacred Heart is typically about nine-months long, beginning in the fall and ending shortly after the Easter Vigil Mass. During these months, sessions focus on an introduction into Scripture, the Catholic Creed, the Mass, the Sacraments, and other various topics such as Mary, the Saints, the Holy Spirit and Grace, and Catholic Social Teaching.
Throughout the year, members participate in a weekly learning session, various Rites and Retreats, as well as weekly reflection on the Scriptures during one of the designated Masses. During these events, members are encouraged to ask questions and to come with an open mind, an open heart, and a desire to explore the Catholic Christian identity.
Sessions
For more information, please contact Karen in the parish office.
"The fruit of Baptism...is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is incorporated into the Church, the Body of Christ, and made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ"
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1279
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) FAQs
RCIA is the ministry of God’s welcoming embrace symbolized by the Church’s acceptance of new members in the family of Catholic Christians.
RCIA is a journey of faith that not-yet baptized persons as well as baptized persons complete with the help of a sponsor, the catechists, the discernment team, and, above all, on the strength of their own conviction.
The only requirements for joining are a heart open to ongoing conversion and a desire to explore a Catholic Christian identity, by becoming one with the community.
Do you feel drawn to Catholic liturgies and tradition? Would you like to deepen the meaning of your presence at Sunday’s liturgy? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, prayerfully consider joining on the path of discovery of your true spiritual identity.
Yes! We all learn from one another and from our journey to know God better. Please join us for the next Catholic Inquiry Session and we can discuss what path may be best for your continued journey.
Anyone seeking information about the Catholic faith is welcome to attend any of the RCIA sessions. As the process proceeds, and if you so desire to be baptized into the Catholic faith community, we encourage you to strive to attend all the sessions and other RCIA events. There are times during the RCIA process for you to explore your intentions and continue to discern God’s call.
Most Christian baptisms are universally recognized by the Catholic Church. You are welcome to explore the Catholic faith, and as the process continues, if you so choose, you can prepare to join the Catholic faith through the RCIA process. Prayer, discernment, and reflection are part of the RCIA experience.
Yes, we would encourage you to attend the Inquiry session, so we can learn more about your particular faith journey. Then we can discuss what path may be best for you to complete the remaining Sacraments of Initiation (First Eucharist and Confirmation).
None whatsoever.
All that is needed is a sincere desire to grow and learn. Attendance is expected at weekly meetings and at one of the selected Masses each Sunday (The 10:00am Sunday Mass is live-streamed) . In addition, there are special events throughout the process that require attendance and participation.
Each member of the RCIA is encouraged to spend some time each week in prayer and to read the reflection materials received from time to time. People who feel comfortable sharing questions and reactions are encouraged to do so.
Volunteers Needed
If you are looking for ways to support those in our church who are exploring what it means to be Catholic or you enjoy the opportunity to continue to learn and explore your own faith, the RCIA team would love to have you join us.
- Time Commitment: As scheduled throughout the year (meetings are held once a week from September through April).
- Responsibilities: Varies depending on the activities you choose to participate in, but could include: serving as a sponsor, supporting weekly classes, helping with technology, or providing clerical support as needed.
- Training: No formal training required, on-the-job training provided.