Becoming Catholic / RCIA

Each year we offer a process for adults who would like to know more about the Catholic faith and/or are considering becoming Catholic, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). RCIA is a process the Church uses to allow adults to explore the Catholic faith, and if they are interested, to prepare them to enter the Catholic Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. RCIA aims to address 1) those who are not baptized, 2) those who were baptized Catholic as infants or children, but who have not celebrated First Communion and Confirmation, and 3) baptized Christians of another denomination who wish to become Catholic. It is a process of discernment, meaning that if you begin the process and discover that you are unable or no longer interested in continuing, you are not obligated to finish.

The RCIA process involves classes and participation in Sunday Mass. Our classes are held on Wednesday evenings. If you are interested, please contact Jen Mayer at 410-647-4892 or using the contact a staff member page.

Please note that we also offer a modified process for those who are already baptized and well formed in their faith – if you are interested in learning more about this modified process (sometimes describes as fast-track RCIA), please call Jen at the above number.

Please contact Jen Mayer, Coordiantor of Adult Faith Formation, either at 410-647-4892 or using the contact a staff member page to set up a time an informal interview. In this interview, she'll talk to you about your religious background and any areas of concern you may have. She can also answer any other questions you may have about the process.

RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process the church uses to prepare adults to enter the Catholic Church. It aims to address

• Those who are not baptized,
  
• Those who were baptized Catholic as babies, but who have not celebrated 1st Eucharist/1st Communion and Confirmation, and
  
• Baptized Christians of another denomination who wish to become Catholic.

It is a process of discernment, meaning that if you begin the process and discover that you are unable or no longer interested in continuing, you are not obligated to finish.

There are 4 phases of RCIA:

• An initial phase of where a person considering becoming a Catholic Christian can ask questions. This phase in known as inquiry, and can be viewed as a getting to know you phase.

• A teaching phase, that begins after a person decides he or she is interested in knowing more about Catholicism and the Church. This phase is known as the catechumenate, because people preparing for a baptism are called catechumens.

• A preparation phase, which helps the person who has decided they would like to enter the Catholic church and receive sacraments prepares to receive those sacraments. This phase has an emphasis on prayer and reflection, and is known as the period of purification and enlightenment.

• Finally, there is a reflection phase, after the person has received sacraments in which they further reflect on the mysteries of faith. This phase helps people integrate what they learned beforehand with their lived experience. This phase is known as Mystagogy, which refers to reflection on the mysteries.

RCIA meets at different times depending on the phase.

Inquiry: In the late spring and over the summer, various Q and A nights are held. In early September, these inquiry sessions are held on Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 PM.

Catechumenate: Teaching sessions are held on Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 PM. In addition, we gather at the 9 AM mass to worship together and reflect on the Word of God. The period of the Catechumenate runs from October through the beginning of Lent.

Period of Purification and Enlightenment: Session are held on Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 PM. In addition, we participate in various rituals in Masses (which vary, a schedule will be provided) on Sundays. This period corresponds to the season of Lent.

Sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) are typically celebrated at the Easter Vigil (the Saturday night before Easter).

Mystagogy – This period of reflection on the sacraments will be held on Sunday mornings in conjunction with the RCIA mass, for the seven weeks after Easter.