Rite of Christian Initiation

Initiation for Children

The children participate in the same Rites and liturgies that are required for adults preparing for Christian initiation into the Catholic Church. A brief interview prior to the commencement of classes determines eligibility and readiness.

Classes meet on Tuesday evenings and on Sunday morning during the 11:00 Mass. Attendance at all classes and Rites is essential to completion of the program.

Making the journey along with the Catechumens, who are to be baptized, will be Candidates, who have been baptized in other Christian faiths or baptized Catholic but have not yet completed their sacramental initiation.

Becoming Catholic

Initiation for Adults

Classes meet on Tuesday evenings and on Sunday morning during the 11:00 Mass.

The Rite of Christian Initiation is a spriritual journey of conversion which culminates in the reception of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass. The process of R.C.I.A. is only successful through the abundant grace of God and the example and prayers of our parishioners. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic or becoming more involved in the R.C.I.A. process, please contact us.

The Journey

The journey consists of four periods, beginning with Inquiry, a time when interested people are introduced to Gospel values and the Catholic faith through study and reflection on a broad range of issues.

The second period, called Catechumenate, is a time for nurturing and growth of the Catechumen's faith and conversion to God through weekly meetings at St. Cecelia's and reflections on Scripture on Sunday mornings.

The third period, known as Purification and Enlightenment, which takes place during Lent, is a time of reflection intensely centered on conversion and ends with the reception of the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil Mass.

The final period is Mystagogia, during which the newly initiated experience being fully part of the Christian community. This period ends with a celebration on Pentecost Sunday.