Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)
What is the RCIA?
RCIA, Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, is designed for adults who consciously and freely seek the living God and want to follow the Catholic way of life as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts.
The RCIA is a time of spiritual preparation that takes place whithin the Community of the Faithful through prayer, celebrations of the Word of God, instruction in Catholic teaching and introduction into the work of the Church in the world.
Who Needs the RCIA:
The RCIA is primarily designed for any adult who is not baptized.
The RCIA is also recommended for any adult who was baptized in another Christian religion,
but wants to be in full communion with the Catholic Church.
The RCIA is recommended for any person baptized Catholic as an infant, but never fully initiated
by celebrating the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation.
The RCIA is open to any adult who never celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation and has been away
from active participation in the Church for a number of years.
A Sponsor/Godparent accompanies any candidate seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church.
This sponsor acts as a guide and witness to their own faith and represents the faith of the community.
How Long is the RCIA?
The RCIA journey of faith consists of four periods:
* Inquiry
* Catechumenate
* Lenten Period of Purification and Enlightenment
* Easter Mystagogy
Although there is not one journey that fits all, most adults going through the RCIA process begin the formal
process of preparation in late August and celebrate the sacraments of Initiation at the following Easter Vigil.
The RCIA meets in McGovern Hall on Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. and Sunday mornings
during the Lenten period.
The priests and parish staff at Assumption Parish welcome any questions or concerns regarding the RCIA process.
For more information, please call the Rectory at 412 766-6660, ext. 333, or e-mail mestalz@comcast.net. You can also use the Contact form provided below.
We will return your inquiry as soon as possible.