How to become Catholic

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is the process established by the Catholic Church after Vatican II to help non-Catholics who are interested in living their lives on earth as Catholic Christians. The R.C.I.A. process is modeled after the catechumenate of the first centuries of the Church’s history. It is an organized system of catechetical instruction presented by priests and laity of the parish.

The R.C.I.A. program at Blessed Sacrament Parish combines weekly catechetical instruction, discernment, and the celebration of the Rites. Starting in September, the parish priests and the R.C.I.A. team members offer scriptural reflection, instruction, and discussion every Wednesday night from 7:15-8:30 p.m. Each inquirer is matched with a member of the parish who acts as a sponsor. The separate Rites are celebrated on scheduled Sundays during the 9:00 a.m. Mass at our parish or at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

For those who are led by the Holy Spirit to join the Church, the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist) are celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass.

R.C.I.A. gives members of Blessed Sacrament Parish a personal opportunity to evangelize as sponsors or as catechetical team members. For those who want information about the teachings of the Catholic Church, or who want to join the Church, R.C.I.A. offers a varied program of education, scriptural reflection, prayer, discernment, and community.