RCIA – Interested in Becoming Catholic?
Thinking About Becoming Catholic?
You are not alone.
There are many reasons for considering becoming Catholic. Perhaps you have a desire for your family to be united in faith? Perhaps you want to be part of a community of people worshipping God together? Maybe you are seeking greater meaning and purpose in your life? Some people may be ready to seek answers to their questions about God, about Jesus Christ, and about the Church.
Maybe you have always thought about being baptized but that just never happened, for one reason or another. Possibly you have been baptized but would like to be confirmed and to receive Holy Communion. If you have been baptized Catholic, we can discuss how this process could help you complete your Catholic initiation with the sacrament of Confirmation.
For these reasons, and others that are uniquely yours, it may just be the perfect time for you to consider The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Almost all Catholic parishes have some form of this process, which usually takes place over a period roughly coinciding with the school year.
What is RCIA?
RCIA is the journey through which adults are welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church. At St. Peter’s, we have a vibrant and welcoming group of 30 to 40 people each year walking this path together.
This journey is more than a course – it’s a process of encountering Christ, growing in faith, and becoming part of a community. The phases of the journey are detailed below.
The RCIA Journey
1. Inquiry (September – November)
Ask questions, explore faith, and learn about Jesus and the Catholic Church in a safe, welcoming space. No pressure – just honest conversation.
2. Catechumenate (December – February)
Begin formal faith formation and deepen your relationship with Jesus. Learn about Scripture, the sacraments, and Catholic teaching.
3. Enlightenment (February – March)
A spiritual preparation during Lent as you get ready to receive the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil.
4. Mystagogia (April – June)
Live out your new faith with support, exploring what it means to follow Jesus in daily life as a fully initiated Catholic.
Now it’s your turn: You have two options:
1) If you are a practicing Catholic, over 16 years of age, and would like to be Confirmed to complete your sacraments, and if you contact the RCIA Coordinator by the end of January, you will be accepted for the 8 weeks of classes for Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. See contact below.
2) We began our process for baptism and full communion in the Catholic Church in early September. If you contact us to join the end of November, we will be happy to welcome you for next year. If this is the case, we have 2 options for you currently:
a) Our Inquiry phase consists of a 7 video series The Search, which serves as an introduction to the Catholic faith. We will offer one of these videos with discussion groups each month from January to June. If you take these, it will prepare you for next year’s sessions, and it will satisfy the requirements for the Inquiry Phase.
b) The Alpha program will be offered in January, February, and March. These evenings begin with a meal, then a video, then a discussion. The series is not Catholic, but it is a very good introduction to Christianity.
For more information, please email the RCIA Coordinator at St. Peter’s: marjorie.robinson@st-peters.ca.
Ready to Take the First Step?
- Fill out the registration form below if you’re ready to begin your journey.
- Have questions? We’d love to hear from you!
Email: office@st-peters.ca
Whether you’re just starting to ask questions or are ready to dive in, you’re welcome here.
There are many reasons for considering becoming Catholic. Perhaps you have a desire for your family to be united in faith? Perhaps you want to be part of a community of people worshipping God together? Maybe you are seeking greater meaning and purpose in your life? Some people may be ready to seek answers to their questions about God, about Jesus Christ, and about the Church.
Maybe you have always thought about being baptized but that just never happened, for one reason or another. Possibly you have been baptized but would like to be confirmed and to receive Holy Communion. If you have been baptized Catholic, we can discuss how this process could help you complete your Catholic initiation with the sacrament of Confirmation.
For these reasons, and others that are uniquely yours, it may just be the perfect time for you to consider The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Almost all Catholic parishes have some form of this process, which usually takes place over a period roughly coinciding with the school year. These are the phases:
- Inquiry (Sept – Nov): A period of time to discuss basic questions of faith, about who is Jesus, and about the Church.
- Catechumenate (Dec – Feb): A time and process of deeper learning about the faith and growing in relationship to Jesus Christ and his Church.
- Enlightenment (Feb – Mar): A final period of preparation for the initiation sacraments at Easter, coinciding with the period the Church calls Lent.
- Post Easter (April – June): Time for a deeper dive into what it means to live the Christian faith.
Please fill out and submit the registration form below. If you have questions, contact the parish office. We would love to hear from you and we will contact you to follow up. God bless you!
