Becoming Catholic—Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults and Adult Confirmation

Margarita Ayala
Administrative Assistant

(602) 954-9089

It is always a joyous occasion when a person chooses to learn more about becoming a fully initiated Catholic. For more information on attending one of our Inquiry Sessions or to register for our RCIA program, please contact me.

The RCIA is the process by which non-Catholics become Catholic. St. Thomas the Apostle Parish warmly welcomes potential new members and provides a hospitable environment for anyone to learn about the Catholic Faith. This process is also open to non-Catholics who would like to either know more about the Catholic Church or to eventually become a member. These meetings are also encouraged to those who have been baptized and are in need of preparation to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or First Eucharist. These sessions provide a casual, friendly environment with no-strings attached. Inquiry sessions meet on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 am.

What is RCIA? RCIA stands for “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults”. This is the process in which an adult man or woman is initiated into the Roman Catholic Church Community. These adults are gradually introduced into following Christian doctrine, liturgy, service and living a Christian life. They will find that the Church Community will welcome, instruct, help and pray for the Candidates.

THE PROCESS-RCIA is composed of four stages

• Inquiry- Inquiry Process
  Before formally entering the process to become Catholic, a period of inquiry is offered for all those who are 'checking out' Jesus, the Catholic Church and the impact Jesus has for one's life in today's world. There is no formal commitment made to be part of the Inquiry process. Our inquiry sessions are Sunday mornings at 9:00am. Please contact the Parish Office to find out the next class date. Participation in the Inquiry meetings is not mandatory for entrance into the next phase.
• Teaching the Catholic Faith
  Following Inquiry is the formal instruction known as 'catechesis', the handing down of Christ's teachings in their entirety. This part of the process walks the participant through the key events of Scripture and shows how the teachings of the Church flow from the events of the Bible. Following the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we examine the main teachings of the Church and show how they impact our daily lives. Each participant has a sponsor to walk him/her through the entire process.
• Prayer
  Beginning with Ash Wednesday, participants become 'elect', that is, declared by the bishop to be ready to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist durring the Easter Vigil. The six weeks of Lent preceding Easter are a time of prayer, fasting, and turning away from sin.
• The Easter Vigil
  The 'Super Bowl' of Masses is the Easter Vigil. This Mass is celebrated the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. During the Mass, participants in the RCIA process receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
• Post-Easter Sessions
  The period of teaching after Easter is known as 'Mystagogia', which means to reflect on the 'mysteries' (also known as the Sacraments). It is a time to look at the special gifts God has given us in Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist and see how they impact our lives.