The aim of the Christian Initiation process is to facilitate communion with Jesus Christ through the Catholic Faith tradition. The class sessions and rites serve to encourage and support that communion. People in this process may be just seeking information about the Catholic faith or have already discerned a call to embrace the Catholic faith. While there are distinct stages to this process, Inquirers are not obligated to join the Church.

A new set of Inquiry sessions begins in August and continues through November. We echo Christ’s invitation to come and see, come and see if the practices and teachings of the Catholic Church engender a deeper relationship with God and a sense of peace.

"Come and See" was Jesus' response to the first disciples. He says the same thing to those who would follow him today. If you are curious about the Catholic Church or are thinking about becoming Catholic...come and see! We invite you to ask your questions and spend time with us (with no obligation on your part to become Catholic) and so discern if God is calling you into a deeper relationship through the practice of the Catholic Faith.

Outline of the Process
Christian Initiation (RCIA) Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the name of the discernment process through which men and women respond to God's invitation to life in Christ. There are four periods and three major rites that mark the transition from one stage to another of this journey of faith:

I. Pre-Catechumenate Period (also known as Inquiry)
This is a time for questions about the Catholic faith as well as faith sharing about God's presence in one's life. These sessions meet on Tuesday nights from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Johnson Hall. They started in August and continue on through till late November. There is no obligation to join the church but for those who would like to continue the process the parish celebrates the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens (for those who have never been baptized) and the Rite of Welcome (for those who have been baptized) at the parish's 8 am Sunday Mass on the First Sunday of Advent.

II. Catechumenate Period
The second stage of this formation process encompasses reflection on the Word of God, experiences of worship, opportunities for service, and immersion in community fellowship. The sessions on Tuesday nights offer basic instruction in the content of the Catholic Faith. In addition, there are weekly dismissals from the 8 am Sunday Mass to further break open the readings just proclaimed at Mass. As we approach the beginning of the Season of Lent, those men and women sho have discern a call to join the Catholic faith community will participate in the Rite of Sending. Our parish, having discerned their readiness for the sacramental celebration at Easter sends them forth to meet with the Archbishop for his formal admissison to the sacramental life of the Church. This occurs at the Rite of Election which is scheduled for February 24th.

III. Purification and Enlightenment Period
The third stage coincides with Lent. This is a time
of prayerful recollection which purifies one's heart
and enlightens the mind about Christ. Sacramental
celebrations (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) at
the Easter Vigil mark full initiation or communion
with the Catholic church.

IV. Mystagogy Period
Following initiation at the Easter Vigil,
insights into that experience as well as the
mysteries of faith and discipleship are shared
and explored at the Tuesday night sessions.
Pentecost marks the end of formal class sessions
but is also the beginning of life-long discipleship.

Download the 2010 registration form