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 “Get Started” form.
We are continuing a weekly face-to-face meeting despite COVID. However, for anyone who does not feel safe meeting face-to-face, we will work out other options. Also, for anyone with a serious conflict with the Thursday evening session time, we will work out other options as much as possible.
Sessions for Adults are weekly on Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm to about 9:00 pm, resuming August 13, 2020.
Click on image for more details about Thursday sessions for Adults.
RCIA for youth from 7 years to 18 years.
The children and teens are assisted through the RCIA by their own parents - and parents are assisted by specially trained helpers we call "shepherds." This process combines a monthly session, with short weekly ZOOM meetings and a daily response by every youth and parent. To get started call the Parish Office or submit the "Get Started Form."
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 at the Easter Vigil, 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.