The Rite of Initiation of Adults
RCIA is the program for adults to learn more about the Catholic faith, with the ultimate goal of receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist (and Reconciliation). RCIA is committed to Christ’s command “Go, make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.”
There are three main types of participants (called Catechumens or Candidates) in the RCIA program: those who are unbaptized, or who know very little about Christianity; those who were formed in other Christian denominations, but who are interested in joining the Catholic Church; and Adult Catholics who never completed their Sacraments of Initiation (Eucharist and/or Confirmation).
With the support and prayers of godparents, sponsors, and the entire parish community, the RCIA welcomes and forms adults in the way of Jesus as it is lived on the Catholic faith and tradition. The program offers a series of initiation stages and rites that take place in the parish liturgical celebrations for learning, praying, personal change, spiritual growth and after the reception of the initiation sacraments offers a share in Christ’s mission to transform the world into a kingdom of truth, grace, holiness, love, justice and peace.
The RCIA team is always looking for new members who can help us as Godparents or Sponsors or as Catechists. Godparents or Sponsors are practicing Catholics who are paired with Catechumens or Candidates to walk with them on their journey into the Church. They attend classes with their Catechumen/Candidate to provide a personal link to the Church, to help them as needed, and to eventually help assess their readiness to receive the Sacraments. The only requirement to be a Godparent/Sponsor is to be an actively practicing Catholic, and have basic knowledge of Church teaching and a readiness to share that practice and knowledge with another in the Love of Christ. Catechists are those team members who share in the responsibility of leading classes each week, and they are sometimes called upon to be Godparents/Sponsors as well. The requirements to be a Catechist are the same as for Godparents/Sponsors but with maybe a more in depth knowledge of Church teaching and the ability to explain those teachings.
Contact Information
We meet on Sundays from 9:30 to 10:45 in September until mid-May.
Contact Sr. Madrine Mukaluziga | [email protected]