1Who can participate?
There are generally 3 categories of people that participate in RCIA:
- The RCIA process is open to all those who are unbaptized and who express a desire to study Catholic Christian teachings and practices.
- The program is also open to those who have been baptized in other Christian denominations and who wish to explore membership in the Catholic Church.
- Finally, the RCIA is open to Catholics who have been baptized but who have not received the other sacraments of initiation, namely Confirmation and / or Holy Eucharist.
2Am I obliged to become Catholic if I go through the RCIA process?
There is no obligation for participants to become members of the Catholic Church. Anyone seeking information about the Catholic faith is welcome to attend our sessions.
Participants will be encouraged to ask questions and dialogue with the material. There will be times during the RCIA process for you to explore your intentions and continue to discern God's call. Everything shared during the sessions will be treated with confidentiality and respect.
3What if I was baptized but not as a Catholic?
The Catholic Church recognizes most Christian baptisms. You are welcome to explore the Catholic faith with us, and if you so choose, you can prepare to join the Catholic faith through the RCIA process. Prayer, discernment and reflection are part of the RCIA experience.
4Am I expected to go to church on Sundays before becoming Catholic?
Yes, part of the process of conversion is to begin attending mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.
5I would like to hear about some of the experiences of the other catechumens and candidates
The experiences of other candidates and catechumens are as varied as the people themselves. Everyone has their own story, their own journey. RCIA candidates come from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all ages.
We invite you to come to our sessions and visit with any of our leaders, sponsors and candidates. We are eager to share our own experiences.
6I am engaged to a Catholic. Can I become Catholic in time for the wedding?
That depends on when the wedding is. RCIA candidates generally enter fully into the Catholic Church during the Easter vigil each year.
7I am engaged to a Catholic. Does it mean I have to join RCIA?
No. You don’t have to be Catholic to get married in the Church. The decision to join the RCIA is one that you should make for yourself, because it is something you want to do, not because you feel you have to.
8How often will we meet?
In our parish we meet every Wednesday evening during the public school terms, beginning in May. At Easter, participants are received into the Catholic Church through Baptism (if not already validly baptized), Confirmation and reception of the Eucharist. A process of deepening continues after Easter through to Pentecost.
9Where can I get more information?
