The Rite of Christian Initiation-The Way of Becoming a Disciple of Christ

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is the formal process by which an adult becomes a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Although the RCIA process has several distinct steps on the journey towards full initiation, we know that people enter the RCIA process at different points in their lives. For some, this is the culmination of a long process of thought, prayer and investigation into the Catholic Church. For others, this may be the beginning of a journey and the start of a deeper relationship with God. The RCIA process takes this into account and seeks to attend to individual needs while forming a sense of community and common journey. Please note that there should never be any pressure to become a Catholic.

RCIA consists of weekly meetings during which we cover the basics of Catholic doctrine and practice and seek to grow in faith, knowledge and prayer.  We also invite those who are seeking to participate in the Word (by studying and learning the faith), Worship (by hearing the Word of God, becoming familiar with the Mass or deepening your understanding of it), Service (by answering the call of Christ to serve others), and Community(by building relationships within our parish community).  We have an amazing parish made up of individuals longing to share their faith in these ways.

Additionally, those who have not been baptized participate in dismissal sessions during Sunday Mass, where they break open the Scriptures to reflect on their meaning and the application in our lives.

Inquiry Sessions are always  underway.  Please contact Teresa Oross to set up a personal meeting.

Teresa Oross toross@christthekingonline.org Contact Teresa for an informal meeting and maybe even a cup of coffee!
It’s Simple! Just contact Teresa Oross toross@christthekingonline.org.

RCIA meets every Tuesday from 7-8:30pm in the Fr. Jones Room.  These meetings are for those who have decided to take the next step on their spiritual journey by attending the meetings and learning more about the Catholic faith and getting assistance in ways of doing this outside of the Tuesday meetings by doing an individualized adult learning plan.    However, if there is a problem with personal schedules, other arrangements can be made. Inquiry meetings will begin in August and throughout the year by appointment.  Now is the perfect time to contact Teresa to learn more about this beautiful process of initiation!

Baptisms for those over the age of seven take place before Easter at the Easter Vigil. This is a beautiful celebration of our faith as we remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every person’s faith journey is different and you can choose to stay in the process as long as you need. Some will remain in RCIA for years before they feel prepared for Baptism. Each person will have the opportunity to talk with the RCIA Director and discern when they are ready to receive the Sacrament of Baptism.

Most likely not. If you have been Baptized into the Christian faith, you will enter the church by making a “Profession of Faith”.

Everyone’s situation is different, but if you or your spouse have been divorced, you may need to seek an annulment of your previous marriages from the Church before receiving the Sacraments of Initiation. This may affect the amount of time you spend in the RCIA process.   Teresa can answer any questions that you might have and help you get started in this process.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (adapted for children)  is the formal process through which a child who has not received the Sacrament of Baptism is received into the Church. The Children’s Catechumenate is designed to prepare children for the Sacraments of Initiation at a child’s level of understanding.

What is the Children’s Catechumenate? The Children’s Catechumenate is a process for children who are seven years or older, who have not yet been baptized, and who would like to be fully received into the Catholic Church (that is, receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist). Children who are seven years or older, who have been baptized in another faith, or have received little or no formal faith formation in the Catholic Church and have not received his or her First Communion are also invited to participate in the process to prepare them for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

The process helps children learn the faith of the Catholic Church in a small community environment. Along with the support of their families and sponsors, the children learn about the Catholic faith through the study of Scripture, the Mass, and the Sacraments. There is also a heavy emphasis on prayer.

RCIC consists of weekly meetings during which we cover the basics of Catholic doctrine and practice and seek to grow in faith, knowledge and prayer.

Typically children will enter the RCIA process in the fall and will enter the Church the night before Easter at the Easter Vigil. This is a beautiful celebration of our faith as we remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, every child’s faith journey is different and you can choose to stay in the process as long as needed.

Teresa Oross is happy to answer any questions you have!  You can also download more information about the RCIC process at CTK HERE.

It’s Simple! Just contact Teresa Oross.