The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the normal way in which adults who express a desire to become fully initiated Catholics engage in a process of conversion, receive basic catechetical instruction, and are welcomed into the Catholic community.
Anyone who has not already been baptized may receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Adults, as well as children of catechetical age (about 7 or older), who seek Baptism participate in the RCIA.
While the RCIA is primarily intended for those who have not been previously baptized, it is also adapted for those baptized in other Christian communities who wish to become Catholic, and for those baptized Catholics who, for whatever reason, never received Confirmation and Eucharist as children and now wish to complete their Christian initiation. Catholics who have received Baptism and Eucharist, but not Confirmation, are not candidates for the RCIA. They participate in a separate Adult Confirmation process.
Our parish RCIA meets each week throughout the year. Catechumens (unbaptized) and candidates (baptized) attend Sunday Mass. After the homily, they are dismissed to participate in an extended reflection on the Scriptures with members of our RCIA Team. One of the priests or other catechists joins the group for a weekly catechetical lesson.
If you have been thinking about becoming a Catholic or completing your Sacraments of Initiation, please contact Fr. Jay Pavich. at the parish office for more information.
If you are a fully initiated adult Catholic in good standing and you are interested in sharing your faith as a sponsor or as a member of the RCIA Team, please contact Fr. Jay.
For information about the RCIA adapted for children of catechetical age, please contact Sr. Lorraine Dorion, SJH - srlorraine@stpeternewbrunswick.org