Becoming Catholic—the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is for any adult who is coming into the Catholic faith brand new or from another faith tradition. We also welcome those Catholics who would like to further their faith journey in receiving First Communion or Confirmation, as well as those who maybe just want to learn more about the faith.

Beginning in September 2024 meetings will be held Monday nights at 6pm in the admin building. Until formal sessions resume in September those interested are welcome to attend the current sessions (running most Thursdays at 6pm in the admin building) which will run through June then informally over the summer.

Our RCIA director (Daniel Pelfrey), along with Parish team members, meet all year to prepare adults to enter the Catholic Church. Any and all are welcome to attend.

The RCIA process has four stages:

• Pre-Catechumenate - a time of asking questions and making inquiry into the Catholic Faith.
• Catechumenate - a time of spiritual and continued growth and learning.
• Enlightenment/Purification - a time during Lent spent in preparation to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil or during the Easter seasons. Reaching this stage can take months or years, depending on the person and their personal faith journey.
• Mystagogia– a time to reflect on what has happened in one’s faith journey, reach out to others and to connect with the parish and greater Catholic community. This stage can last one’s entire life!

Those interested in joining should reach out to Daniel Pelfrey the Coordinator for Evangelization and Faith Formation for more information -- email to ceff@stjohnsea.org.

Godparent form for catachumens.