St. Paul the Apostle
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the process by which adults are initiated into the Catholic Church. The RCIA process is conducted by a team of lay church members and clergy over several months, usually beginning each September and continuing through Easter.
RCIA is not a course or class in Catholicism. RCIA is rather a guided process by which those interested in the faith are initiated into the Catholic church. It is meant to be an encounter with Jesus and the beginning of a Christ centered life through study, prayer and involvement in the parish community. The RCIA is more than a course of instruction. It is a process of conversion, designed to meet the unique and individual needs of the participants.
Scrutiny Sundays 2023
This year our parish RCIA group totals 11 people! We are fortunate to have so many being welcomed into the faith.
On the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent (March 11,18,25) we will celebrate the Scrutinies. These rites are meant to "uncover then heal all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect; to bring out, then strengthen all that is upright, strong, and good" (RCIA 128).
The entire parish community, sharing in the obligation of accompanying with the elect and candidates, will hear the Scrutiny Gospels, and are asked to pray for all in RCIA as their journey to the Easter Vigil continues. This year the elect will receive the Rite at the 9am Mass on these Sundays, along with their sponsors and the candidates and other members of the 2023 RCIA group.
What To Know and What to Expect:
RCIA, at first glance, can appear overwhelming. The history and teachings of the Catholic Church are deep, and at times, complex. RCIA helps adults explore the faith through knowledge, but more importantly through experiences with great support and encouragement.
We have prepared a list of common questions and answers that are intended to help those who may be considering RCIA to understand its purpose and structure as well as the expectations that come with it.
Please click here to access a more detailed account of RCIA at St. Paul the Apostle Parish. If you wish to know more or wish to commence involvement in RCIA contact the RCIA Leader as noted below.