Are you interested in becoming Catholic? Being Baptized? Getting Confirmed?

What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults who wish to become Roman Catholic are introduced to and brought into full communion with the Catholic Church. RCIA is a process in which interested men and women can explore Catholicism, and make a decision to become a Catholic over a period of months. The process has a number of stages and Rites that the catechumens and candidates work their way through during their conversion journey.

What is the process?
The process is several weeks of inquiry and instruction during which interested individuals can learn the core beliefs of the Catholic church, sacraments and rituals, and basic church history while being able to ask a lot of questions of the RCIA team members and class speakers. Later in the process, for those who desire to continue on into full communion with the Catholic Church, there is an intense period of prayer and reflection (normally during Lent) leading to the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation at Easter.

When does the process start and what are the times at Holy Ghost?
The RCIA candidates begin the weekly sessions by attending 10:00am Mass. They are dismissed after the gospel and homily and meet in the rectory basement where they will be led by part of the RCIA team for a study and discussion of that Sunday’s gospel. After Mass, the group is joined by others from the parish RCIA team and by the sponsors of the candidates. After a short coffee and snack break, one of the RCIA instructors will lead an educational session about a topic important to the Catholic faith. The sessions end no later than 11:30am. We begin by having an “Inquiry” session in early September to explain the process to interested participants and to answer questions their questions. The first RCIA teaching session will be Sunday, September 26 and will be weekly (with some time off for Christmas break) ending 2 weeks after Easter with a brunch after 10:00am Mass on May 8^th.

Who can apply?
Any adult, 18 years and older, who is;

Ÿ Unbaptized and desires baptism

Ÿ Baptized in another Christian tradition who desires to become Catholic

Ÿ Baptized Catholic in need of First Communion or Confirmation

What if I'm married civilly, divorced, or divorced and remarried?
If you were married in a civil ceremony or if you are divorced and remarried, the Church may require an annulment or convalidation. Your circumstances must be addressed before beginning RCIA (Please talk with one of the priests or deacons if you are in one of these types of marriage situations.) If you are divorced but not remarried, you are free to begin the RCIA process. An annulment may be required if you later choose to marry in the Catholic Church.

What documents are required for becoming Catholic?
Baptized Christians of another faith will need a copy of their baptismal record. Copies of marriage certificates and decrees of annulment in the Church may be required if appropriate.

What about attendance?
Regular participation is strongly encouraged at all Sunday morning Masses and meetings. Attendance is viewed as a commitment to the process. Please feel free to discuss any attendance conflicts with one of the RCIA team members.

Does anyone help me?
You will be paired with a parish sponsor to help you throughout the initiation process. Catholic spouses, fiancées or friends may assist the participant on this journey and may act as their sponsors as they receive the Easter sacraments. Those who seek the sacrament of Baptism may choose a godparent in addition to their sponsor. If the participant has no sponsor, you will be paired with a parish sponsor to help you throughout the initiation process. Details will be explained during the process.

How can I learn more?
Contact the Holy Ghost Parish Office, Monday - Friday, 8am to 4pm, 731-3176; or call deacon Tom or Kathy Schulte, 731-3599 at your convenience.