Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, RCIA
RCIA is for Unbaptized Persons - All Persons Ages 7 years or Older Are Baptized Through the RCIA
Substantially different from the Rite of Infant Baptism, the RCIA is actually a series of stages, each marked by a specific rite: the persons who enter into the RCIA seeking baptism celebrate important "rites" as they experience conversion of heart, mind and life.
Each inquirer is free to become Catholic, or to choose not to be Catholic. Inquirers are welcome to attend RCIA sessions for as long as the wish. Each inquirer is assisted by a sponsor from St. Monica Parish.
An adult can begin in RCIA virtually any Thursday evening of the year simply by calling the Parish Office or submitting the “Getting Started” information form on our website.
Children and teens in the RCIA usually start in the sessions on the first Thursday in September. They attend the sessions along with their parents, and other members of their family, if they wish.
Sessions are weekly on Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm to about 8:45 pm.
Each session begins in the Church, and then moves to different rooms. The children and teens are assisted through the RCIA by their own parents - and parents are assisted by specially trained helpers we call "shepherds."
As adults, teens or children are "ready" they celebrate the different rites of the RCIA - the final Rites are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. The unbaptized, the catechumens in the RCIA, ALWAYS receive Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist at the EASTER VIGIL unless some serious circumstance warrants asking a special permission from the bishop to receive a catechumen outside of the Easter Vigil.
After receiving these sacraments, the adults, teens and children - and their families - continue in RCIA for another 50 days, as they reflect on what has happened through the sacraments.