The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the process of the Church for individuals to become Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation---Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.  The Rite speaks of conversion as a “spiritual journey,” centered on developing a deep relationship with Jesus and his Church.  The catechumen and candidate journey through four varied stages:

        Evangelization (Inquiry)
         Catechumenate
         Purification and Enlightenment
         Mystagogy

Through each stage, they learn from thorough and authentic catechesis, experience parish life, and discern whether or not they wish to freely commit to the Liturgical and moral life of the Catholic faithful.
 
The area of study focuses on Christ Jesus who is the fullness of Revelation by his teaching, witness, death, and resurrection.
 
An area of growth on which we focus is---apprenticing people to the Catholic way of life. “Formation must include more than instruction:  it is an apprenticeship of the entire Christian life”. (General Directory of the Catechism)  Our objective in this formation process is to encourage inquirers to embrace more fully a living, explicit, and fruitful Profession of Faith.  In order to accomplish this, our catechumens and candidates must be thrust into the midst of parish life.  Conversion begins not when the catechumen and candidate is told about what he or she will be doing in the future, but when that telling is actually accompanied by action.  
 
Dedicated team members walk the personal journey every week with those in formation, but we need the support of all parishioners in order for our catechumens and candidates to fully experience the action and life of the Catholic faithful. 
 
The RCIA process continues throughout the year. Please call the Parish Office at 216-421-2995 if you are interested in more information.