St. Mary's Catholic Church 

Most Catholics become members of the Church with their baptism as infants. They continue their faith journey through education, prayer, formation and the reception of the other sacraments of initiation - holy Communion and confirmation, as well as the sacrament of reconcilation - when they are older.

BECOMING CATHOLIC AS AN ADULT - RCIA

Aduls and children older than 7 who have not been baptized typically paricipate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). After prayer, study and spriritual direction, they receive the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil Mass on Holy Saturday night.

Adults who have been baptizsed in another Christian tradition may also be welcomed at the Easter Vigil, or at another time. They are confirmed and receive Communion. They are called candidates, and may paricipate in many of the steps of RCIA.

WHAT HAPPENS AT RCIA?

• Inquirers are welcomed into the community and invited to get to know the Lord Jesus.
• Catechumens learn about the faith through lessons developed from Scripture readings.
• The Elect study, pray and reflect during Lent and are intitiated into the Chruch at the Easter Vigil.
• Neophytes continue to deepen their grasp of the paschal mystery and meditate on the Gospel.

• Conversion and prayer
• Catechisis (which means "passing on the faith") and study
• Community and parish involvement
• Service and evangelization