Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

 
2011-2012 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Calendar
2011-2012 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Inquiry Form
 
A process for people interested in inquiring about the Catholic Faith & preparing for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Are you interested in finding out more about the Catholic faith? Do you know someone who may want to become a Catholic?
The RCIA Process may be the answer.
. . . If you search for God
honestly and sincerely,
you will find Him. . . .
For Yahweh, your God, is a
merciful God and will not
desert . . . you . . .
Duet. 4:29-31
 
 

What is the RCIA Process?

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a process structured around movements of inquiry, sessions, discernment, prayer, commitment and finally the Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist.“Becoming a Catholic” is a journey. A person enters the life of the Church through periods of study, faith sharing, scripture reflection, and rites (steps along the way, celebrated with the parish faith community).
The usual culmination of this process is held during the Easter Vigil or during the Easter season.
 
Who should consider the RCIA Process?
* Adults who have never been baptized
* Adults who have been baptized in another Christian denomination and wish to profess their faith as a Catholic Christian
 
Children are welcome to participate in RCIA, adapted for Children.
 
The RCIA at Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity Parish offers an on-going process for an adult who wishes to inquire about the Catholic Faith. A person may begin the journey at any time by contacting Father Gregory Schenden, S.J. (202-337-2840, ext. 103), setting up an initial meeting and attending the Inquiry sessions.
 
The Process is enhanced by an RCIA Team. These are people who work with the RCIA coordinator in facilitating the process and providing assistance and ministry in a variety of ways.
 
Participants in the RCIA process will be assigned a sponsor, who will “walk with” them as they continue their journey. The sponsor is someone from the parish who remains with the participant during the sessions and is present at all of the rites and celebrations.
 
The whole parish supports the participants in their process of discernment, by prayer, witness and faith in action.
 
Starting in September after Labor Day, Sessions for Inquiry are held every Tuesday of the month (unless a holiday is scheduled) in McKenna Hall or the Chapel from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Beginning with the Rite of Acceptance and Welcome, the participants will be dismissed during the Sunday Liturgies to reflect further upon the Scriptures in addition to the Tuesday night sessions.
 
A formal opening retreat in the fall and a closing retreat prior to the celebration of Easter will be offered.
 
Materials and prayer resources will be provided for the participants throughout the process.

Opportunities for service and outreach will be offered to participants at different times during the process.

Interested in volunteering for the RCIA team or as a sponsor?
Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page for more information, or contact Judith Brusseau, Pastoral Assoiciate for Faith Formation and Religious Education, 202-903-2807.