Unbaptized adults (as well as those who were raised in another religious tradition) interested in learning more about the Catholic faith are invited to participate in a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – often referred to as RCIA.

RCIA is a process that allows adults who are interested in becoming Catholic an opportunity to learn more about the Catholic faith – what we believe and why we do what we do – in a prayerful and supportive environment.

No, RCIA is not a “class” in the traditional sense. It is a faith journey, a journey of conversion – not only for those who seek to learn more about the Catholic faith, but for all those who accompany them – for the entire parish community.
Participating in the process helps one become more aware of the presence of God in their life. One’s relationship with God is strengthened through personal and communal prayer.
During the process the core beliefs of Catholicism are explored and discussed. Some of the topics covered include: the Trinity (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), the Mass, Tradition, Scripture, prayer, sacraments, veneration of Mary, the communion of saints and what it means to live as a Catholic.

Yes! RCIA is a process open to adults who…
• are unbaptized
• were raised in another religious tradition
• were baptized Catholic as an infant or as a small child, but did not participate in religious education and have not received their First Communion.

No, if you were baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church respects that Baptism. In Christian baptism we are claimed by Christ as the adopted daughters and sons of God forever, therefore the sacrament is not repeated.

You are free to step away at any time. Inquiring about the Catholic faith does not obligate one to become Catholic.

It depends on the individual and their unique circumstances. Most individuals are ready in
about seven months – some need more time.

Yes, everyone who goes through RCIA needs to have a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who accompanies another person in their journey of faith. They will serve as a witness to you in regard to the faith of the community as well as to the community in regard to your faith and intentions. Sponsors can help answer questions. They will listen and help you discern the presence of God in your life. Sponsors also help connect you with the broader parish community, inviting you to participate in the life of the parish in a number of ways.

Sponsors must be confirmed, practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church. If the sponsor is a member of a Roman Catholic parish other than St. Peter or St. Jude, we will ask for a letter of recommendation from that person’s parish pastor.

Yes, as long as they are confirmed and in good standing with the church. Attending RCIA sessions together can be a very enriching experience for couples. However, using a sponsor who is a member of the parish (who is not your fiancée or spouse) is a way to broaden your exposure to Catholic life. The parish companion serves as another link to the parish community for you, and also can allow you more freedom in making your decision. The ideal situation would be if your fiancée or spouse attends as many sessions with you as they like and you also have a parish sponsor. If you do not know anyone to have as your sponsor, we can set you up with a parishioner who will be happy to serve in that role, but having your fiancée or spouse alone as your sponsor is okay, too.

We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning each fall.

Please talk to the RCIA Coordinator. If you only have an occasional conflict, we can work together to keep you on track. If you have work, class or other commitments every week, we help you find an option that fits your schedule.

One of the best ways to learn about Catholicism is to come and worship with us! Attending Mass and worshipping together as a community each week is central to who we are as Catholics. We do expect those who are in the RCIA process to join us weekly for Mass. At Mass we worship and praise God, give thanks for the many blessings we have been given and are nourished and strengthened by the Word of God. If you choose to become Catholic, you will eventually receive and be nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. Strengthened in these ways, we are called to live out our faith in the world – in our homes, workplaces and community.