We welcome new members into the Catholic Church through a process of education, faith sharing, and rituals known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
Are You Interested in Becoming a Catholic?
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the Catholic Church's process for welcoming adult inquirers who are interested in becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church. It is designed for adults who have not been baptized, or have been baptized in another Christian religion, or baptized Catholics who have not received Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. The process follows the Church's liturgical year and leads up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. During this time there are opportunities to ask questions, to focus on Scripture, to study the sacraments, and to grow in the faith.
All Are Welcome!
RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.
RCIA is a Journey.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the Catholic Church's process for welcoming adult inquirers who are interested in becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church. It is designed for adults who have not been baptized, or have been baptized in another Christian religion, or baptized Catholics who have not received Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. The process follows the Church's liturgical year and leads up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. During this time there are opportunities to ask questions, to focus on Scripture, to study the sacraments, and to grow in the faith.
All Are Welcome!
RCIA is a process of study, exploration, faith-sharing, and faith formation with specific liturgical rites for seekers and inquirers. Seekers and inquirers are non-baptized adults who desire to be fully initiated into the Roman Catholic Church and/or baptized adult Christians who desire full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who have not been baptized and desire to join the Church are invited into the ancient celebration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. During this process, which is marked by regular ritual acts, participants are introduced to the liturgy, the teachings, and the life of the Catholic Church.
Adults or older children who were baptized in another Christian denomination prepare in a similar way for the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist during their reception into the Catholic Church.
RCIA is a Journey.
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults is a process that proceeds over weeks and months. It has several steps:
- Pre-Catechumenate. This is the earliest phase in the process; it is also known as the Period of Inquiry. Catechumens and Candidates acknowledge that Christ is calling them into the Church through the movement of the Holy Spirit. This is a time for seeking and reflection.
- Rite of Initiation. The first Rite in the RCIA process, the Rite of Initiation accepts new members into the worshipping community.
- Catechumenate. The longest part of the process, the Catechumenate is a time of learning and formation in the traditions and doctrine of the Catholic Church. This is a time for sharing stories, reading scripture, and studying the Church customs, traditions and doctrine. Participants also participate in worship services and various Church rituals.
- Rite of Election. Catechumens and Candidates are chosen to be received by the bishop and the community and to receive the Sacraments of Initiation at Easter.
- Sacraments of Initiation. At the Easter Vigil (Holy Saturday), all newly elected members of the community who have been journeying through the RCIA process are welcomed formally into the community of believers through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
- Mystagogy. This is a time of reflection and celebration after the formal reception into the Catholic Church. Mystagogia means “leading into the mystery” and it is a time to explore the deep mystery of our faith and go forth to help build the reign of God on Earth as new members of the faithful.
RCIA Team.
People going through the RCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The RCIA Team of sponsors help, guide, support and instruct those deciding whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team members share their faith with those seeking information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
People going through the RCIA process need sponsors and community support to help them grow in faith. The RCIA Team of sponsors help, guide, support and instruct those deciding whether to become members of our Catholic community. Team members share their faith with those seeking information about the Catholic Church, many of whom seek to celebrate one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Additional Information:
RCIA and Catholic Faith classes usually begin in September or October and follow the liturgical year into the Easter Season. For more information about becoming a Catholic contact the Director of Religious Education or Parish Office here.
RCIA and Catholic Faith classes usually begin in September or October and follow the liturgical year into the Easter Season. For more information about becoming a Catholic contact the Director of Religious Education or Parish Office here.
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This is the community website for the St. Francis de Hieronymo and St. Ambrose Catholic Churches in Neosho County, Kansas. Both churches are located in the center of the historic nine-county southeast Kansas area. We share one of the richest Catholic Heritages in Southern Kansas and the Four-State Region. For more information about our churches, history, organizations or programs browse our site including its links.
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