Interested in becoming a Catholic or learning more about the Catholic Faith? The journey of faith begins with your questions…
What is faith? How does faith grow? What do Catholics believe and why is it different from other faith traditions?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process for those who are not yet baptized and seek to become fully initiated Catholic Christians through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist, as well as those who are already baptized in another Christian tradition and wish to enter into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

Contact

Catherine Mays
RCIA Director
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Announcements
Formation is on-going. To get started, contact the RCIA Director.

What is RCIA, how long does it last, and when should I start?

The RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the process through which adults first inquire about and then when they are ready, become members of the Catholic Church by receiving Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.

The process generally takes one year but will vary depending on the preparation and spiritual needs of each participant. 

Contact us when you are ready.  While the more traditional classes start in the fall, we do offer formation over the summer, as well.

Who attends RCIA?

– Those who have never been baptized.
– Those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition.
– Baptized Catholics with little or no faith formation who have not completed the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
– Baptized Catholics who wish to update their knowledge of the faith or return to practicing Catholicism.

When does RCIA meet and what do we do?

Normally, we meet at the 9:00 am Sunday Mass and are dismissed after the priest’s homily (sermon) to a classroom downstairs. 

Led by another Catholic, the group reflects upon the scripture readings of the Mass and then explores a topic related to the Catholic faith. Built into each session is the opportunity for participants to ask questions and discuss the faith in a non-judgmental forum. This typically lasts 2.5 hours. In addition, participants will be involved in one monthly activity so they may experience parish life and service to the community. Alternate arrangements can be made for those who for serious reasons cannot meet at this time.

Rite of Christian Initiation for CHILDREN

Children who have not been baptized or have been baptized in another Christian denomination would take part in the RCIA for Children as they will either be baptized into the Catholic Church or make a Profession of Faith into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil and receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

The RCIA for Children is a process whereby the children are made to feel part of the parish family and learn about the Catholic faith. These children will attend the 9:00 am Mass on Sunday followed by a class in which they will explore and learn about the Catholic faith.  The RCIA (for Children) process is year-round.  Children should be enrolled as soon as they are ready to start.  There is not a specific beginning date.

Five and six-year-olds who have never been baptized and would like to be baptized into the Catholic faith would attend a regular Kindergarten or 1st grade RE class, beginning in September. Parents would attend a baptism workshop and their child would be baptized at a scheduled time.

Sponsors

A sponsor accompanies the catechumen/candidate in his/her spiritual journey. The sponsor is a witness to the faith. Being a good listener is the most essential requirement, but a sponsor also commits to attending sessions and rites with the inquirers. Most often, sponsors are blessed with a rejuvenation of their own faith as they offer the gift of time and support to an inquirer.

© 2024 Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton | Lake Ridge, VA