The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process of becoming Catholic. It is for those over the age of seven who have not been baptized or have been baptized in another Christian tradition.

If you are an adult Catholic who has been baptized and would like to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and/or First Eucharist, please click here for information on our adult sacrament preparation.

WHAT IS RCIA?

Every year on Holy Saturday during the Easter Vigil, Nativity—along with the universal Church—welcomes new Catholics through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist. Individuals seeking to become Catholic prepare for this night by participating in our RCIA program.

RCIA includes a thorough education on the teachings of the Church, involves an integration into the community of faith, and culminates with the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. It constitutes the beginning steps of a lifelong relationship with the Church.

On Easter Sunday, those members of our community who are already baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but who have not yet become Catholic are “fully initiated” into the Church through Confirmation and First Eucharist. These individuals also take part in our RCIA program in preparation for their full initiation.

If you are not Catholic, but would like to learn more about what it means to be Catholic, or if you are Catholic and would simply like to learn more about your faith, we invite you to participate in our RCIA program at Nativity.

RCIA AT NATIVITY

The RCIA process strongly emphasizes the importance of community because it is through the Church that we receive the sacraments. However, we recognize that each individual has their own personal questions, challenges and growth. To assist you in this journey, we match you with a mentor who can accompany you individually in addition to the classes.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

Weekly Classes

The RCIA process includes weekly classes that typically take place on Sundays from September to May, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. During these classes, RCIA members learn about the Church, its teachings, and the application of the faith to our lives. They also engage in fellowship with one another and experience integration into the larger community.

During the classes, RCIA members are expected to complete a certain amount of reading and outside preparation, and they are taken through the process of selecting a sponsor. 

Mentors

RCIA members will be given a mentor to walk with them through the sacrament preparation process. Mentors, selected and assigned by the RCIA director, have gone through the process themselves and serve as personal guides along the RCIA journey. Mentors may be chosen by the candidate to also be their sponsor.

Sponsors

Those in RCIA select a sponsor to walk with them through the process of becoming Catholic and support them after they are received into the Church. Unbaptized adults going through RCIA choose one sponsor—also known as a Godparent—who accompanies them through the rites leading up to and including Baptism and Confirmation. Sponsors must be practicing Catholics, married in the Catholic Church, and fully initiated by having received the sacraments of Baptism, Communion & Confirmation.

Interview

An individual seeking to become Catholic is required to have a conversation with a priest or deacon regarding his or her desire to enter the Church.  This will typically take place as soon as you register. 

Scrutinies

The steps of RCIA include a number of liturgical moments, during which those seeking to become Catholic are presented to the community, accepted as “catechumens,” and called to “election.” For detailed information on these steps, click here. 

Sacraments

The sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  Our RCIA program prepares individuals for the reception of these sacraments as well as the sacrament of Penance. Those already Baptized as Christians can still participate in RCIA in order to become “fully initiated” into the faith through receiving Confirmation and First Eucharist.