How does one become Catholic?
Those who have been baptized into another Christian denomination
become Catholic by making a solemn Profession of Faith, being
Confirmed, and sharing the Eucharist (the Body and Blood of
Christ) with the Catholic community. Those who have not been
baptized are initiated through a process that leads to Baptism,
Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter celebration.
Where does the Christian Initiation of Adults take place?
The usual place for the person to become a full member of
the catholic Church is within a parish setting. The Community
of St. Francis of Assisi provides for the spiritual needs
of its members. Thus, most activities of the St. Francis'
RCIA program take place at St. Francis of Assisi church or
rectory.
Who may attend RCIA?
Everyone my attend RCIA, including:
- Those who have never been baptized as Christian
- Those who have been baptized in another Christian faith
tradition and are now interested in the Catholic tradition.
- Those who were baptized in the Catholic faith but were not raised
as Catholics
- Those who have been baptized in the Catholic tradition but never received
First Communion or Confirmation
How long does it take to become Catholic?
The RCIA is not a program or class, rather it is a process of
preparation for the lifetime commitment that comes with reception into the Catholic Church.
It takes as long as you need.
The usual length of preparation is about twelve months. In most cases, the initiation
of new members takes place at the Easter Vigil each year (the evening service on Holy Saturday).
What does the RCIA involve?
The RCIA process begins with the period of Inquiry. The Inquiry period
is a time for you, as someone looking at the Catholic Church, to raise questions that you have about the
Catholic faith. It is also a time to get to know others who will be journeying with your throughout the
RCIA process.
After the Inquiry period, those that choose to continue in the RCIA process go through
a special welcoming ceremony. Following the welcoming ceremony, those who choose to enter are in a stage called the
Catechumenate until Easter. This is a period of prayer and study that allows the Catechumens and Candidates to become
educated in the many different aspects of Catholicism.
Inquiry meets at various time during the summer. The Catechumenate begins in September and meets
on Wednesdays at 8:00 PM. The exact dates are published in the Sunday bulletin.
If I begin, am I obligated to become a Catholic?
This is no obligation to make any kind of commitment nor is there any pressure exerted on anyone to become Catholic!
We respect the conscience and decision of every Inquirer. Because of your association with us, we would hope that you
would gain a deeper understanding of Catholic faith, beliefs, and practices. Even if you begin the process, you are free to withdraw
at any time.
I think I would like to begin, but I'm still hesitant...
If there is some reason you are hesitant to begin the RCIA process and would like to talk about it, please call or e-mail
Terry Davis (301 774-0783, e-mail davistj22@msn.com) or Sara Dean (301 977-6373, e-mail
sgdean129@aol.com) or contact the St. Francis of Assisi rectory to discuss your situation.
Becoming a catholic