RCIA

Parishes welcome new members into the Catholic Church through a process of education, faith sharing, and rituals known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  This process includes several stages marked by prayer, study, and discussion.  Included in the process are several Rites, which take place within the context of the Mass.  The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) describes the RCIA as a process in which participants "undergo . . . conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments . . . The RCIA process follows the ancient practice of the Church and was restored by the Second Vatican Council as the normal way adults prepare for baptism."

The RCIA is structured over a series of ceremonial steps and periods of learning, and the timing of these may vary for each individual. One may take as much time as he or she needs in the initiation process before becoming ready for full initiation through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.  Initiation within the Church is a journey of conversion that is gradual and ongoing and suited to individual needs. It is a process rather than an educational program and this process takes place within the community of the faithful, the local Church. (Source: https://www.bostoncatholic.org/rite-christian-initiation-rcia/overview-rcia)

If you are an adult seeking to be Confirmed in the Catholic Church, you will want to explore the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA):  Learn more...

For more information about the RCIA process, please contact Fr. Rock or visit the Archdiocese of Boston's RCIA page.